Dialogue, diplomacy key to global peace: Ishaq Dar

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and multilateralism as essential tools for ensuring global peace, stability and development.

Addressing the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) participants, he said dialogue had always been Pakistan’s preferred path to stability and progress. He highlighted that parliamentary diplomacy complements traditional diplomacy by bringing the perspectives of people’s representatives into international discourse, ensuring that global cooperation reflects citizens’ aspirations.

He noted that the world today faces complex challenges — from geopolitical rivalries and climate crises to terrorism and inequality — and stressed that multilateralism must be revitalised through openness, inclusion and accountability.

Condemning the recent terrorist attacks in Wana and Islamabad, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms, stressing that “dialogue, understanding and partnership remain the only sustainable path to peace.”

Recalling Pakistan’s presidency of the UN Security Council in July 2025, he said the country’s leadership in promoting peace through multilateralism was widely recognised. “Pakistan stands ready to continue serving as a bridge-builder — uniting regions, amplifying the voices of the developing world and promoting peace through justice and dialogue,” he said.

Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, addressing the concluding session of the ISC, said terrorism remains one of the gravest global threats, stressing that its eradication demands not only military action but also strong parliamentary cooperation, financial oversight and collective political will. He also condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Wana, stressing the need for joint strategies, mutual collaboration, and coordinated international efforts to counter extremism.

He paid tribute to Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, noting that the country has borne a heavy cost in the pursuit of global peace. “Terrorists have no religion or nation; they are enemies of humanity,” he said.

Later, the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference adopted the Islamabad Communiqué, underscoring the pivotal role of parliaments in addressing global challenges through inclusive dialogue, legislative innovation, regional connectivity and parliamentary diplomacy.

The communiqué stated, “We, the Speakers of Parliaments, convened in Islamabad for the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference from November 10 to 12, 2025, reaffirm our shared commitment to the principles of peace, security, and inclusive development as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and universally recognised principles of international law.”

Chairman Senate Yusuf Raza Gilani presented the communiqué, which was unanimously adopted by the forum. It reads, “We take cognizance of the ever-growing complexities in the world today. Building upon ISC’s foundational vision of global unity, peace, and shared prosperity, we further recognise the urgent need for collective parliamentary action to address all interconnected challenges and materialise shared opportunities for the wellbeing of our peoples”.

The declarations in the communiqué reaffirmed the ISC’s mandate and parliamentary diplomacy, and recognised the ISC as a crucial platform for meaningful parliamentary dialogue and exchanges, as well as capacity-building of parliamentarians.

The forum “resolves to augment inter-parliamentary cooperation through MoUs, joint committees, parliamentarians’ caucuses, special forums for young parliamentarians, institutionalised partnerships, and promotion of mutual understanding across diverse regions and political systems”, the text read.

The declarations committed to supporting the ISC as a valuable forum for dialogue and the exchange of best practices among parliaments, to address complex transnational issues, including sustainable development, climate resilience, conflict resolution, water, food and health security, while amplifying the voices of emerging economies to ensure equitable representation in shaping global cooperation.

The declarations recognised the urgency of addressing global challenges, including terrorism and extremism, climate change, food and water insecurity, poverty, pandemics, cyber security, hate speech, xenophobia, Islamophobia, through enhanced bilateral and multilateral cooperation, inclusive international partnerships, and multi-stakeholder mediation approaches that give primacy to citizens’ protection and human security.

Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari said the ISC had fostered constructive debate and strengthened the spirit of parliamentary diplomacy to promote peace, security, and development. Hosting a dinner at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in honour of delegates attending the three-day conference, the president lauded the participation of parliamentarians from over 40 countries, noting that their discussions demonstrated how dialogue and mutual respect could advance global stability and progress.