DPM calls for enhanced trade, regional connectivity

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar Friday emphasized the importance of enhanced trade, stronger regional connectivity, and deeper people-to-people linkages to unlock shared growth opportunities

ANTALYA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2026) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar Friday emphasized the importance of enhanced trade, stronger regional connectivity, and deeper people-to-people linkages to unlock shared growth opportunities.

While speaking during a panel discussion at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on the topic of “Trading Trust: The Future of Economic Integration and Stability in South Asia,” he noted that despite vast economic potential, the region remains one of the least economically integrated due to a deficit of trust.

Highlighting the broader regional situation, he noted that ongoing conflicts and tensions have disrupted energy supply chains, creating ripple effects across economies.

"These disruptions are impacting not only energy security but also critical areas of daily life, including food security, inflation, and overall economic stability," he added.

He expressed hope that resolution of these challenges would pave the way for stability and progress.

He underscored the importance of multilateralism, stressing respect for international frameworks and cooperative regional mechanisms.

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In this context, he highlighted the role of platforms such as SAARC and the United Nations, while also reiterating the need for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UNSC resolutions to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

Pakistan, he reaffirmed, remains committed to dialogue, international law, and inclusive development as the foundation for a stable and economically integrated South Asia.

He said, "South Asia has a great potential as the region has two billion population and four trillion of GDP but regional trade is low."

Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had been consistently making efforts for de-escalation during the regional crisis.

"We urged the countries to move towards dialogue and diplomacy to peacefully resolve issues."

"The United States and Iran were holding direct talks after 47 years. Pakistan was the mediator and facilitator," he said adding the US and Iran were close to reaching an agreement.

He said on the issue of Lebanon, ceasefire was achieved and Iran had also announced unconditional free flow of ships across the strait of Hormuz which was a very good omen.