Regional Peace Impossible Without Ending Terrorism From Afghan Soil: Ishaq Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that lasting peace and development in the region cannot be achieved without eliminating the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.

Addressing an informal meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council, Dar said the security threat from Afghanistan was affecting regional peace and development efforts.

He said the Taliban government must address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns by taking concrete and verifiable action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other groups that Pakistan says pose a threat to its sovereignty and citizens.

Pakistan Seeks Peaceful and Stable Afghanistan

Dar said Pakistan wanted to see a peaceful, prosperous and stable Afghanistan that was fully integrated into the region and maintained peaceful relations with its neighbours.

He said Pakistan had adopted a policy of constructive engagement with Afghanistan and had provided various facilities to promote bilateral and transit trade.

According to Dar, Pakistan’s only expectation was that the Taliban government address its security concerns and take effective measures against groups operating from Afghan territory.

Pakistan has repeatedly said that the use of Afghan soil by militant groups remains a major security concern. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has also said Islamabad is prepared to facilitate trade and regional connectivity if terrorism concerns are addressed.

Terrorism Must Be Addressed for Regional Development

Dar said regional peace, stability and economic development were closely linked to security.

He stressed that the threat of terrorism must be addressed if the ECO region is to fully realise its potential for trade, investment and connectivity.

The foreign minister said the ECO region covers around 8 million square kilometres and has a population of nearly 500 million, yet accounts for only about 2.2 percent of global trade.

He said this showed there was considerable room for expanding regional trade and economic cooperation.

Pakistan Ready to Connect Central Asia With Arabian Sea

Dar said connectivity projects linking Central and South Asia could create new opportunities for the region’s economic development.

He said Pakistan was ready to play the role of a gateway for the region and help establish important trade routes connecting Central Asian countries with Arabian Sea ports.

He also identified improvements in visa systems, easier movement of goods and people, digital integration and more efficient transit systems as important areas for strengthening regional cooperation.

ECO Strategic Goals for Next Decade

Dar said the ECO’s strategic objectives for 2026-2035 would provide a practical framework for strengthening regional cooperation during the coming decade.

Pakistan is also preparing to host the 30th ECO Council of Ministers meeting in Islamabad in November, with the government saying the country attaches importance to ECO’s role in regional trade, connectivity and economic cooperation.

Dar said Pakistan would work closely with all ECO member states and the ECO Secretariat to advance regional cooperation and promote peace, connectivity and economic development.