ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday urged a “reimagining” of South Asia’s fractured regional architecture, saying an 11-year freeze in dialogue with India was undermining prospects for long-term stability and peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
India and Pakistan fought a brief but intense military clash in May this year in which both nuclear-armed neighbors exchanged missiles, artillery fire and deployed fighter jets. The standoff lasted about four days before the United States brokered a ceasefire, saying the two sides had agreed to talk.
While Pakistan continued to call for a “composite dialogue” to resolve all outstanding disputes, India declined to proceed with negotiations.
Dar made the remarks while addressing the Islamabad Conclave 2025, a two-day gathering focused on security, economy, climate and connectivity in South Asia.
“The end of Cold War largely bypassed South Asia, leaving the region with few peace dividends,” Dar said while addressing the gathering. “We, the South Asians, need to think really hard. Are we doomed to remain mired in confrontation and conflict while other regions progress and prosper? The answer should be a clear no.”
