(MENAFN) At the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum Roundtable in Brussels on Friday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that divisive bloc politics and great-power contestation are “not tenable for future,” urging renewed commitment to multilateralism and collective leadership amid escalating global crises.

Dar highlighted the challenges facing the world, including “rising conflicts, prolonged foreign occupation, growing major power rivalries, a renewed global arms race, cyber and outer space weaponization, and emergence of new and destructive technologies.” He stressed that these issues require cooperation rather than division, calling for adherence to the UN Charter and collective action.

On the Middle East, Dar condemned ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, expressing support for the recent UN Security Council resolution and calling for a permanent cessation of hostilities, Israeli withdrawal, unhindered humanitarian access, and reconstruction of Gaza.

He also addressed economic and climate-related pressures, noting that trade wars, food insecurity, rising inflation, energy disruptions, and climate change compound global instability.

“These challenges necessitate leadership and dialogue—not divisions,” he said.

Turning to South Asia, Dar criticized India’s “illegal and unilateral” suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a “real threat to regional stability” and urging New Delhi to reverse the decision. He also reiterated Pakistan’s call for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of Kashmiris.

Dar further highlighted opportunities for EU-Asia-Pacific cooperation, proposing synergies between the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the EU’s Global Gateway initiative to promote green, digital, and transport corridors, describing Pakistan as a hub for trade and energy connectivity bridging Asia and Europe.

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