Ishaq Dar Archives - FutureSoch

Pakistan, China reaffirm support for peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue

June 24, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter and pledged to continue close cooperation in support of dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and promoting lasting peace.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which he congratulated China on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

The two leaders discussed the Iran-U.S. peace process, including the first round of high-level talks held in the Swiss city of Bürgenstock with the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar.

Dar briefed Wang on the outcomes of the talks, saying that a high-level committee had been established in Islamabad to oversee the mediation process under a recently signed memorandum of understanding.

He said three working groups had also been formed to address issues related to the nuclear program, sanctions, monitoring mechanisms and dispute resolution, with the goal of facilitating a final agreement between the parties within 60 days.

Dar praised China’s continued support for the peace process and highlighted the importance of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s four-point peace proposal and the joint Pakistan-China five-point peace initiative.

Wang congratulated Pakistan on the successful facilitation of the talks and the signing of the memorandum of understanding, commending Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts, mediation role and continued engagement in support of regional peace and stability.

Reaffirming China’s support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts, Wang said disputes must be resolved peacefully in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Both ministers pledged to maintain close coordination in encouraging a negotiated settlement between the parties, with the aim of achieving a lasting reduction in tensions, sustainable peace, shared development and mutual prosperity.

Govt scraps fuel subsidies for motorcyclists, farmers and public transport

June 22, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has ended fuel subsidies for motorcyclists, small farmers and public transport operators, officials said following a meeting of a national steering committee on energy pricing.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and approved the decision to withdraw subsidies previously provided across all provinces, as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

According to an official statement, subsidies had been provided on petrol and diesel to support motorcycle and rickshaw users, small farmers, and transport operators to help keep fares and agricultural costs lower.

Under the previous scheme, motorcycle, rickshaw and small vehicle owners received subsidies ranging from 50 to 100 rupees per litre, while public and freight transport operators were receiving monthly support of 70,000 to 100,000 rupees.

Small farmers were also being given diesel subsidies of around 100 rupees per litre, the statement said.

Officials said the decision was taken after noting a decline in global fuel prices and the earlier transfer of benefits to consumers. The committee approved the move with the consent of the prime minister.

The withdrawal of subsidies is expected to affect transport costs and agricultural expenses across the country.

PM Shehbaz, Ishaq Dar review regional security after Araghchi call

April 24, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Following a telephone call from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on his discussions and the latest diplomatic developments.

During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed the regional security situation and concerns over rising tensions, while also holding detailed discussions on the expected second round of talks between the United States and Iran.

Ishaq Dar apprised the prime minister of ongoing diplomatic efforts, including Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides. Shehbaz Sharif described the expected arrival of the Iranian delegation as a significant diplomatic development.

Both leaders agreed to closely monitor the evolving situation, with the prime minister issuing key policy and diplomatic directives aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.

Shehbaz Sharif also directed that high-level diplomatic engagements be intensified and consultations continue, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to de-escalation, confidence-building, and advancing the negotiation process.

Few issues remain in US-Iran talks, Says Ishaq Dar at Antalya Forum

April 17, 2026 by Newsdesk

ANTALYA: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that only a few points remain unresolved in ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, he said Pakistan has been engaged in diplomatic efforts from day one to help resolve the Iran-US dispute.

Dar termed Pakistan’s role in facilitating talks between Iran and the United States after 47 years as a matter of pride, adding that the prolonged conflict has adversely affected regional economy and trade.

He noted that despite a population of around 2 billion, the region’s combined GDP stands at only 4 trillion dollars, highlighting the lack of a structured trade system among regional countries.

Emphasizing the need for greater regional connectivity, he said South Asian countries must work harder to enhance trade ties, adding that Pakistan is ideally positioned as a transshipment hub in the region.

He also welcomed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping following the Lebanon ceasefire, describing it as a positive development.

Dar added that only a few issues remain to be resolved in the US-Iran talks, expressing hope for a breakthrough in the near future.

UAE grants Pakistan a two-month extension on loan repayment

February 13, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has, in principle, agreed to extend (roll over) Pakistan’s $2 billion deposit for a short period of two months.

A senior official confirmed that the UAE has consented to roll over the amount until April 17, 2026. The assurance was given following recent contacts between Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, and senior UAE officials.

According to sources, the short-term extension carries an interest rate of 6.5 percent, with formal approval from relevant authorities expected imminently.

The move is being seen as significant ahead of the third review talks between Pakistan and the IMF, particularly as the previous one-month extension was due to expire in just four days. Islamabad has informed the UAE that it will seek a longer-term rollover after concluding negotiations with the IMF.

Earlier in January, the UAE had granted a one-month extension on the deposit, with the third installment of $1 billion scheduled for July 2026.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andarabi stated that Ishaq Dar is personally overseeing the matter and is actively coordinating with UAE authorities to ensure a smooth process.

He added that determining the rollover period is at the discretion of the lender, and thanks to the Deputy Prime Minister’s efforts, the rollover has been secured.

The spokesperson also clarified that he was not aware of statements made by Finance Ministry officials in the Standing Committee on Finance, and referenced the Finance Minister’s remarks that Pakistan’s external financial profile remains intact and IMF-related matters are progressing in the right direction.

Pakistan PM departs for Bahrain to strengthen bilateral ties

November 26, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has left for Bahrain on a two-day official visit, leading a senior delegation, the Foreign Office confirmed.

The delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, senior officials, and other dignitaries.

During the visit, Prime Minister Sharif will hold high-level meetings with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.

The official visit highlights the long-standing cordial relations between Pakistan and Bahrain and aims to strengthen results-oriented and strategic partnership between the two countries.

The visit is expected to reinforce traditional goodwill, open new avenues of cooperation, and deepen people-to-people ties, contributing to mutually beneficial collaboration.

Polish Foreign Minister begins two-day official visit to Pakistan

October 23, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has arrived in Pakistan for a two-day official visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing political and economic cooperation between the two countries.

He was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary Khalid Jamali upon arrival.

During his stay, the Polish Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to hold meetings with senior Pakistani officials to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and international issues of mutual interest.

According to diplomatic sources, the visit is being undertaken at the invitation of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and aims to strengthen political, economic, and security cooperation between the two countries.

Dar praises US, Turkey’s role in ceasefire talks

October 14, 2025 by Newsdesk

CAIRO: On the sidelines of the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss regional developments and peace efforts.

The Foreign Office said in a statement, the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, including regional stability and ongoing efforts for peace in Gaza.

On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Dar also held a separate meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar appreciated the role of the United States and Turkey in promoting a ceasefire, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for all efforts aimed at lasting peace and stability in the region.

Dar further emphasized that the international community must continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and Palestine.

Zardari, Dar discuss politics amid PPP-PML-N rift

October 9, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Amid rising friction between the ruling coalition partners, PPP and PML-N, President Asif Ali Zardari met with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday night to deliberate on the prevailing political climate

The leaders discussed matters pertaining to the overall security and political situation in the country, as well as recent regional and international developments, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

DPM/FM Senator Ishaq Dar, who recently attended the United Nations General Assembly session and held several interactions with foreign dignitaries, briefed the president on his engagements and shared insights on pressing global and regional issues.

The PPP and the PML-N’s Punjab leadership have been engaged in a war of words for the past many days over issues ranging from flood compensation to water rights in the context of the Cholistan canals project.

The PPP, which is in power in Sindh, has been particularly incensed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s remarks, whose party is also leading the federal government.

Earlier, a post on X by the PPP announced party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s move to call a meeting of the party’s top brass.

“Important decisions regarding national politics will be made in the meeting of the PPP’s central executive committee,“it said.