Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday said that Pakistan’s foreign policy gained greater international stature in 2025, citing improved diplomatic engagement and growing global recognition.

Speaking at a news briefing in Islamabad, Dar welcomed the recent visit of United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, describing it as highly positive and a boost to bilateral relations.

He said detailed discussions were held during the visit on cooperation in multiple sectors, including trade, and noted that the visit would help further expand collaboration between the two countries.

According to Dar, Pakistan and the UAE signed several trade and investment agreements covering energy, banking and real estate, which he said would give new momentum to economic ties.

“The improvement in Pakistan’s foreign relations is a blessing of God,” the deputy prime minister said, adding that the country’s foreign policy standing had been elevated globally.

He said Pakistan had received strong international appreciation, which he described as evidence of the government’s balanced and effective foreign policy strategy.

Commenting on India, Dar claimed that during the recent conflict, Pakistan shot down seven Indian aircraft and that the country’s armed forces inflicted a decisive defeat on the enemy.

He said India had consistently levelled baseless allegations against Pakistan and stressed that New Delhi must accept the Indus Waters Treaty as an undeniable reality.

Dar said India levelled false allegations against Pakistan over the Pahalgam incident, adding that Pakistan had the right to respond following Indian attacks.

He claimed Pakistan’s armed forces had “shattered the enemy’s arrogance” in the May clashes.

The deputy prime minister said that Pakistan exercised restraint and took only necessary defensive measures, but warned that a harsher response could have been delivered if circumstances had required it.

Describing the attack on Nur Khan Airbase as a major mistake by India, Dar said Pakistan responded effectively through a sound strategy.

He reiterated that Pakistan seeks peace but would not compromise on its sovereignty or security, and has the full capability to respond to any act of aggression.