Overview

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the 33rd Asean Regional Forum (ARF) ministerial meeting in Manila, where he outlined eight key challenges threatening peaceful coexistence and stability worldwide. His remarks, delivered before foreign ministers and delegates from the forum's 27 member states, focused on regional security issues, including the longstanding Kashmir dispute and India's decision to place the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance.

Dar arrived in Manila on Wednesday and was received by Elmer G. Cato, assistant secretary at the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs, along with Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines, according to a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Office. The Foreign Office said Dar's programme would include the ARF plenary and bilateral meetings on the sidelines.

Coverage comparison

Reporting on the meeting, Dawn described Dar's address as setting out eight challenges that he said threaten "peaceful coexistence, stability and prosperity." The newspaper quoted Dar as warning that "any delay in addressing these challenges will undermine our collective efforts." The report also noted that the ARF gathering occurred amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, a conflict that the 11-nation Asean bloc, which relies heavily on Middle East oil, is watching closely.

Dawn's coverage highlighted Dar's emphasis on regional security, with direct quotes from his speech, and noted his call for international support on the Kashmir and water disputes. The report framed the address primarily in terms of South Asian geopolitical tensions.

Key Claims

Dar identified eight challenges he said were undermining peace and stability. Chief among them, he pointed to the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute, calling it "the heart of regional instability." He reiterated Pakistan's position that the dispute should be settled in line with United Nations Charter and relevant resolutions, and in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

On water, Dar expressed concern over India's decision to unilaterally suspend the Indus Water Treaty following hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours last year. "We simply cannot afford to let this serious provocative development remain unaddressed," he said, urging the international community to support a peaceful resolution. The water-sharing arrangement has been a point of contention since May 2025, with Pakistan's army leadership earlier this month vowing to ensure the country's water share.

Dar also addressed regional security more broadly, noting the "continued failure" to resolve longstanding disputes in South Asia. In addition, he highlighted terrorism, particularly groups operating from Afghan soil, as a challenge, while reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to the One-China principle. Climate change was mentioned as a common global challenge.

Key Claims

  • Dar identified eight challenges to peaceful coexistence and stability, saying "any delay in addressing these challenges will only undermine our collective efforts."
  • He described the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as "the heart of regional instability," reiterating Pakistan's advocacy for a settlement in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
  • Dar expressed concern over India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, calling it a "serious provocative development" that the international community must address.
  • Pakistan's role in facilitating a ceasefire between the United States and Iran was highlighted at the meeting.
  • The issue of terrorism, particularly from groups based in Afghanistan, was listed among the challenges.
  • Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the One-China principle.
  • Climate change was identified as a shared global challenge.