Islamabad ( The COW News Digital) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the National Assembly on Thursday that Pakistan is in contact with a powerful European country to secure the release of former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed and other Pakistanis reportedly detained by Israeli forces.
Dar said Islamabad has no direct diplomatic relations with Israel, which is why third-party mediation is being pursued to bring the detainees home safely. “Our full effort is to ensure the safe return of all Pakistanis,” he told lawmakers.
On the Gaza peace process, Dar expressed Pakistan’s dissatisfaction with the latest draft of a 20-point plan. He said that Islamic countries had submitted a revised draft, but the final document included significant changes. “These alterations are unacceptable to us,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s stance remains consistent with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam on Palestine.
Dar also recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s initial social media statement without knowledge that changes had already been made to the draft. “Pakistan’s position on Palestine has not shifted—we stand firmly with the Palestinian people,” Dar emphasized.
The foreign minister criticized the United Nations, the European Union, and Arab states for failing to stop bloodshed in Gaza. He said Pakistan’s engagement with Trump and other stakeholders was aimed at achieving a ceasefire, but progress has been undermined by divisions over the draft agreement.
Dar highlighted Pakistan’s growing diplomatic engagement, noting that 40 foreign ministers are scheduled to visit in October. “Today alone, we have important meetings with diplomats from 40 countries,” he said.
Commenting on the recent defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, Dar described it as highly significant, asserting that the negotiations began during the previous government but were accelerated by the current administration. “Our lives are devoted to the sanctity of Haramain Sharifain. This was not a rushed agreement; it is a carefully considered partnership,” he said. Dar suggested that if more countries joined, the pact could evolve into a NATO-like alliance, positioning Pakistan as a leader of the Muslim world.
Addressing a controversy over Shama Junejo’s name appearing in official delegation documents, Dar clarified that he never included her in his letter. “Her name was added by staff in the speechwriting and support team. My signatures were not on that letter,” he stated.
Dar concluded by saying that differences with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) could be resolved through dialogue. The National Assembly session was adjourned until Monday evening.
