During a recent address to the Pakistani diaspora in New York, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment to securing the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, describing her as the “daughter of Pakistan” and emphasizing that her case remains a humanitarian and national priority.

Dar stated that the government had made “desperate and sincere” efforts through all diplomatic channels, including submitting a formal request for her pardon to U.S. President Joe Biden. “We have not forgotten her, and we continue to raise her case with the U.S. government,” he said.

Pakistan’s Economic Turnaround

Turning to economic matters, Dar claimed the current coalition government had successfully averted national bankruptcy, which he argued was imminent had the previous PTI administration stayed in power for six more months. He called the no-confidence motion a difficult but vital intervention to stabilize the economy.

“Today, our foreign reserves are improving, inflation is declining, and GDP growth has bounced back,” he told attendees. Dar added that major international financial institutions had acknowledged these gains, with the government now aiming for Pakistan’s entry into the G20 group of nations.

Overseas Pakistanis: A National Asset

Calling overseas Pakistanis the “real capital of the nation,” Dar encouraged the expatriate community to invest in Pakistan. He said the government was actively working to streamline investment procedures and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles for overseas investors.

Re-engaging the World

Dar noted that Pakistan had regained its place on the global diplomatic stage after a period of isolation. Highlighting his recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Dar described the discussions as constructive, covering key bilateral issues.

He clarified that Pakistan seeks balanced relations with both the United States and China, stressing that ties with Washington would not come at the expense of its strategic partnership with Beijing.

Firm Stance on Regional Security

Addressing regional security, Dar underscored Pakistan’s firm position on counterterrorism. “We have conveyed clearly to Afghanistan that its territory must not be used against Pakistan,” he said, reiterating Islamabad’s desire for peaceful relations but underscoring national security as a top priority.

Response to Indian Provocations

Dar also commented on tensions with India, saying Pakistan had responded decisively to acts of aggression — including the reported downing of Rafale jets and the closure of airspace in response to violations. He highlighted Pakistan’s role in countering misinformation and offered to cooperate in international investigations related to regional incidents.

A Resurgent Global Role

In a symbolic victory, Dar said Pakistan’s recent election as president of the UN Security Council reflected renewed international confidence in the country’s leadership. “Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan is reclaiming its role on the global stage,” he declared.

The address wrapped up with a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s principles: peace, dignity, sovereignty, and unwavering commitment to the rights of oppressed peoples — including Dr Aafia Siddiqui and the people of Palestine.