Cowardly acts won’t shake resolve against terrorism: Pakistan’s minister

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, addressing parliamentarians from across the world at an international conference on Wednesday, said cowardly acts would not shake Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism.

He was speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) held at Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, according to a press release issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking about the recent terror incidents, Dar said, “Just yesterday, we witnessed two heinous acts of terrorism in Wana and Islamabad, resulting in loss of fifteen precious lives.”

He said, “We categorically reject acts of terrorism in all forms and manifestations, whether these take place in Islamabad, or anywhere else in the world.”

“We strongly condemn this heinous act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Let me be clear: these cowardly acts will never shake or weaken our national resolve.”

“If anything, they reaffirm our conviction that dialogue, understanding, and partnership are the only sustainable paths to peace and security,” Dar added.

Dialogue and cooperation 

He told the audience that their participation proved that dialogue and cooperation among nations were the surest path to peace and progress.

Dar said that the conference “marks another milestone in Pakistan’s sustained efforts to advance peace, security, and development through multilateralism.”

He said, “It is also a moment to celebrate parliamentary diplomacy as the voice of the people in global affairs.”

‘Parliamentary diplomacy complements traditional diplomacy’

The Pakistani foreign minister stated that “diplomacy today extends beyond ministries and diplomatic missions. It increasingly draws strength from public awareness and growing parliamentary engagement, while remaining firmly grounded in our national and strategic interests.”

“Parliamentary diplomacy complements traditional diplomacy by bringing the perspectives of people’s representatives into international discourse.”

Dar said, “By engaging with peers across borders, parliamentarians share experiences, exchange ideas, and discuss the application of fundamental principles of governance, rights, and democracy.”

“These interactions inform national foreign policies, strengthen interstate relations, and enrich global cooperation; ensuring that diplomacy reflects the aspirations, values, and interests of citizens worldwide.”

‘Regional connectivity’ 

The Pakistani foreign minister said, “Through regional connectivity, trade facilitation, and investment partnerships, our economies can move towards growth and shared prosperity.”

“We meet at a time of profound global transformation. Old certainties are fading; trust in multilateral institutions is under strain. Geopolitical rivalries, economic divides, climate crises, terrorism, and widening inequalities threaten the cooperative spirit that sustained peace for past many decades.”

“At such a moment, forums like this conference carry exceptional significance,” the Pakistani foreign minister stressed.

“This reminds us that multilateralism must not only be preserved — it must be revitalized through openness, inclusion, and the active participation of people’s representatives.”

He added, “This is how we can rebuild trust in international cooperation based on dialogue, diplomacy, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.”

‘Peace, Security, and Development’

Speaking at the theme of the conference, “Peace, Security, and Development,” Dar said, “at both domestic and international levels, peace enables growth, development sustains peace, and security and cooperation fortify the foundations for progress.”

He said, “Peace and security are not abstract ideals, they are essential conditions for human progress.”

Dar said, “The persistence of conflicts and unresolved disputes continue to cast long shadows over our shared aspirations.”

“These challenges transcend borders, demanding collective resolve and coordinated action; No nation, no matter how strong or self-reliant, can confront these alone.”

“One of the major global challenges of our time is terrorism,” he said, adding, “Pakistan has been a bulwark against this menace that does not recognize any boundary, religion, gender, ethnicity or race.”

‘Preferred instrument’ 

Dar said, “Pakistan’s foreign policy is firmly anchored in the principles of the Charter of the United Nations — sovereign equality, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference, and friendly relations among nations.”

“Dialogue has always been our preferred instrument for stability and progress. We have consistently advocated for regional cooperation, conflict prevention, and equitable development as the foundations of a peaceful world order.”

“Our decades-long commitment to multilateralism reflects Pakistan’s enduring belief that dialogue, not discord, must define humanity’s future,” he added.

“Pakistan’s experience uniquely positions it as a bridge between the Global South and Global North, and between regions and civilizations.”

‘Dialogue and cooperation’ 

“Let us reaffirm our faith in dialogue and cooperation. Let us demonstrate that parliaments and governments, working together, can rebuild trust in multilateralism and renew hope in collective action,” said Dar.

Pakistan stands ready to continue serving as a bridge-builder; uniting regions, amplifying the voices of the developing world, and promoting peace through justice and dialogue.

“People-centered diplomacy ensures that peace dividends reach citizens, that development is inclusive, and that international cooperation is measured by human progress, not just political agreements,” he added.

The Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference embodies that approach; diplomacy rooted in representation, anchored in accountability, and driven by empathy, the Pakistan foreign minister said.