Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in New York to lead Pakistan’s engagements at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where the country is currently serving as President for the month of July.
Mr Dar’s visit marks the beginning of a week-long series of high-level engagements in New York and Washington, with Pakistan set to host two signature events at the Security Council under its presidency.
Upon arrival, the Deputy Prime Minister was received by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.
Pakistan formally assumed the presidency of the Security Council on July 1, as part of its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member that began in January 2025.
According to the Foreign Office, Mr Dar will chair an open debate on “Promoting international peace and security through multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes” on Tuesday. The session aims to foster dialogue on enhancing the role of diplomacy, mediation, and international cooperation to address ongoing global conflicts. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been invited to participate.
On July 23, Mr Dar will preside over the Council’s quarterly open debate on the “Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question”. Pakistan has consistently reiterated its support for the two-state solution and the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people.
The following day, a high-level briefing will be held on strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Pakistan has advocated for closer institutional linkages between the UN and OIC to address regional conflicts and global security challenges.
The Foreign Office noted that Mr Dar will also attend a high-level conference on the “Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution”. The event, co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, was originally scheduled for June but was postponed in the wake of escalations between Iran and Israel.
“Pakistan’s high-level participation in these UNSC events is a reflection of its principled position on multilateralism and its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause,” the FO spokesperson stated in a press release.
In addition to his engagements at the UN, the Deputy Prime Minister is expected to travel to Washington, where meetings with senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are on the agenda.
