Pakistan’s Diplomatic Isolation Ends, Economic Growth Accelerates: Ishaq Dar

Pakistan has broken free from diplomatic isolation and is now making its presence felt on the global stage, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, during an interactive session with the Pakistani diaspora at the Pakistan Consulate in New York on Monday evening.

“We are no longer isolated,” Dar declared, emphasizing Pakistan’s growing international alliances and economic progress under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership.

Dar highlighted Pakistan’s recent diplomatic achievements, including:
✅ Hosting major international events such as the SCO Summit and the Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities
✅ Welcoming high-profile foreign visits, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent trip
✅ Winning a seat on the UN Security Council (2025-26) with an overwhelming 182 votes

The session was attended by prominent officials, including Ambassador Munir Akram (Permanent Representative to the UN) and Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh (Pakistan’s envoy to the U.S.).

On the economic front, Dar highlighted:
📉 Inflation reduction from 40% to just 2.4% in January 2025
📈 Increased remittances and exports, leading to economic stabilization
🏦 Lower policy rates, making investment more attractive

“Pakistan must come first. We must work together, beyond political divides, to ensure long-term stability,” he urged.

He encouraged Pakistani-Americans to invest in Pakistan, particularly through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which serves as a “single window” for investors.

Addressing security concerns, Dar noted that terrorism had nearly been eradicated by 2018 but resurged due to past policy missteps. He pointed to the return of 30,000–40,000 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters as a key factor in the recent wave of violence.

“Without uprooting terrorism, Pakistan cannot achieve its full economic potential,” he emphasized, vowing strong action against extremist elements.

Senator Dar reassured the Pakistani diaspora in the U.S., pledging:
✅ Improved government services for overseas Pakistanis
✅ A stronger national identity for Pakistani-Americans
✅ Efforts to resume PIA flights to New York, following the airline’s recent clearance to operate in Paris

Expressing confidence in the newly launched “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, Dar stated that Pakistan’s future is bright, with vast natural resources and economic opportunities now being actively explored.

The session ended with a Q&A, where he assured attendees that their concerns would be addressed and their role in Pakistan’s progress would be valued.