Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said Pakistan will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights under the Indus Waters Treaty and oppose any attempt to weaponize water.

Addressing the Margalla Dialogue 2026 in Islamabad today, he emphasized that regional stability also depends on respect for the treaty obligations.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the just resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions remains indispensable for lasting peace in South Asia. He said leaving the dispute unresolved perpetuates mistrust and exposes the region to recurring crises.

Ishaq Dar recalled Pakistan's decisive and calibrated response to India's unprovoked aggression in May last year, saying it demonstrated our readiness and capability to defend our sovereignty. He said our position is very clear that we will defend our sovereignty with determination and pursue peace with equal commitment.

Ishaq Dar highlighted that terrorism emanating from Afghanistan remains a serious security challenge. He said Pakistan will continue to protect its people while supporting efforts towards a peaceful, stable and economically integrated Afghanistan. He, however, said progress towards this objective requires effective action to ensure that the Afghan territory is not used for terrorism against other countries, particularly Pakistan. 

As regards the US-Iran conflict, the Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan continues to pursue all diplomatic efforts to sustain engagement, restore dialogue and facilitate a return to the negotiating table. He emphasized that the Islamabad MoU provides an important foundation for further negotiations.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan remains committed to an equitable international order, anchored in the UN Charter, sovereign equality, territorial integrity and peaceful settlement of disputes. He said Pakistan has leveraged the membership of the UN Security Council to translate these principles into concrete action.

Ishaq Dar said Pakistan's strategic partnership with China remains a cornerstone of our foreign relations. He said Pakistan continues engagement with the US and is strengthening cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Iran, the Gulf, Europe, Central Asia and other partners.  

The Deputy Prime Minister said Makkah Joint Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye reflects our commitment to collective security and credible deterrence. He said it is a defensive agreement directed against no country and intended to contribute to regional peace and security.