ISLAMABAD – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that lasting peace and economic development in the region cannot be achieved without eliminating the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
Addressing the 27th meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers, Dar called for moving from dialogue to practical measures to strengthen regional cooperation.
He said making the ECO region more integrated, dynamic and competitive was a shared objective of member states. Trade among ECO countries currently accounts for around 8% of their total regional trade, he added.
Dar said the ECO region was home to around 500 million people and stressed the need to harness collective strength to promote peace, resilience, solidarity and shared prosperity.
He said Pakistan had pursued diplomatic efforts with brotherly countries to achieve peaceful outcomes and remained committed to resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law.
The foreign minister also expressed concern over the prevailing security situation in the region and the Middle East. He said Pakistan would continue to prioritise regional economic integration and greater trade among neighbouring countries.
Dar called for accelerating key connectivity projects linking Central Asia with ports on the Arabian Sea, saying improved regional connectivity could boost trade and economic activity.
He also highlighted climate change as a serious threat to water security, agriculture and employment across the region. He called for stronger cooperation on climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable energy.
Dar said Pakistan was ready to play the role of a gateway for the region and called for progress towards making the ECO free trade area operational and digital. Such measures, he said, could expand access to free markets, support businesses and encourage innovation.
On Afghanistan, Dar said terrorism originating from Afghan territory was undermining efforts for regional peace, stability and development.
He said Pakistan wanted to see a peaceful, prosperous and stable Afghanistan and had pursued constructive engagement with the Taliban government.
Pakistan had also facilitated bilateral transit trade with Afghanistan, he said, while making progress on projects such as the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway remained a priority.
Dar said Pakistan’s “sole expectation” from the Taliban government was that it address Islamabad’s legitimate security concerns.
“Without eliminating the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, peace and development in the region are not possible,” he said.
