By The South Asia Times

Brussels -  Pakistan on Friday called for renewed commitment to multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution, warning that intensifying geopolitical rivalries and divisive bloc politics are undermining global stability.

Addressing the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum Roundtable, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the world is facing “a pivotal moment,” marked by rising conflicts, foreign occupation, a global arms race, cyber and space militarization, trade wars and climate-induced crises, while multilateral institutions struggle to respond.

“Multilateralism is under siege; our international system remains fragmented,” Dar said, urging global leadership, dialogue and connectivity over “divisions and great-power contestation.”

He stressed that the Asia-Pacific region must not become a “stage for strategic rivalry,” adding that geopolitical constructs like the Indo-Pacific overlook regional history and culture.

South Asia tensions, Indus Waters Treaty

Dar accused unnamed regional actors of promoting conflict through “inflammatory rhetoric” and unilateral measures.

Referring to India’s recent move to suspend key elements of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), he said such actions pose a “real threat to regional stability” and must be reversed.

“Water must be a source of cooperation, not weaponized for politics,” he said, reiterating that lasting peace in South Asia remains impossible without a UN-mandated settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Afghanistan and regional security

Calling Afghanistan a “consequential relationship,” the foreign minister said Pakistan seeks a peaceful and prosperous neighbor, but urged the Taliban authorities to fulfil their commitments to root out terrorism.

Middle East and Gaza

Dar also expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying all atrocities and the illegal Israeli occupation must end. Pakistan, he said, has supported recent diplomatic efforts including the ceasefire agreement reached in Sharm El-Sheikh.

He reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing position in support of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Ukraine conflict and global governance

The conflict in Ukraine has disrupted global energy and food markets, Dar noted, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution grounded in the UN Charter.

He highlighted Pakistan’s leadership at the UN Security Council earlier this year, which led to unanimous adoption of Resolution 2788 aimed at strengthening peaceful dispute settlement mechanisms.

Connectivity as path to prosperity

Citing the European Union as a model of cooperative security, Dar said Pakistan’s geo-economic vision focuses on strengthening trade and energy corridors linking Asia and Europe. He emphasized synergies between CPEC and the EU’s Global Gateway initiative to expand green, digital and transport connectivity across regions.

“Our collective challenges demand collective solutions,” Dar concluded, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to global peace, stability and inclusive development.