Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed concern over the regional and Middle East security situation during an Economic Cooperation Organisation meeting in New York on Saturday. Ishaq Dar regional security remarks focused on peaceful dispute resolution, cooperation and stability.
Speaking at the 27th informal meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers, Dar said Pakistan remained committed to resolving disputes through peaceful and negotiated means in line with international law. He said Pakistan had engaged with partner countries to support efforts aimed at achieving peaceful outcomes.
Dar said ECO member states should use their collective strength to promote peace, resilience, solidarity and shared prosperity. He described the region as being at a critical point, facing challenges including climate change, water and food security, while also having opportunities through emerging connectivity corridors.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 chaired the 27th Informal Meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers (COM) in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Ministers of… pic.twitter.com/GIpdYPYfal
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 26, 2026
The foreign minister called for stronger political commitment and institutional reforms within the ECO. He proposed reviewing and streamlining the organisation’s secretariat and affiliated institutions to ensure their structures and mandates respond to changing political and economic conditions.
As chair of the ECO Council of Ministers for 2026-27, Pakistan will focus on trade and economic integration, connectivity, transit, trade facilitation and climate resilience. Dar said the region’s large population and geographical size had not yet translated into a similar share of global trade.
On connectivity, Dar called for stronger transport networks, improved customs procedures and better transit systems. He said Pakistan was ready to serve as a regional gateway by supporting movement between Central Asia and Arabian Sea ports. He also called for progress towards a digitally enabled ECO Free Trade Area.
Ishaq Dar regional security remarks also covered Afghanistan. He said peace and stability in Afghanistan were important for regional development and expressed concern over terrorism originating from Afghan territory. He said Pakistan expected concrete and verifiable action against the TTP, BLA and their affiliates.
