Islamabad — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the National Assembly that Pakistan is in contact with an influential European country to secure the release of former senator Mushtaq Ahmad, along with other detained Pakistanis.
Dar said reports indicate that Ahmad was taken into custody by Israeli forces. “We are making every effort to ensure the safe return of all Pakistanis,” he assured.
He explained that since Pakistan has no direct diplomatic ties with Israel, negotiations are being pursued through a third country.
Speaking on the Gaza peace plan, Dar revealed that while Islamic countries had proposed a revised 20-point agenda, changes later made to the draft were unacceptable to Pakistan. “Our stance on Palestine remains exactly as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” he reiterated.
The foreign minister further noted that Prime Minister Kakar raised Pakistan’s concerns at the UN General Assembly and directly criticized Israel. “Unfortunately, the UN, EU, and Arab nations have so far failed to halt the bloodshed in Gaza,” he said.
Regarding the Saudi-Pakistan agreement, Dar described it as “a crucial development,” emphasizing that it was the result of months of dialogue. He added that several other Muslim countries had expressed interest in similar cooperation, hinting at the possibility of a broader alliance.
On domestic politics, Dar maintained that issues with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) could be resolved through dialogue.
The National Assembly session was adjourned until Monday at 5 p.m.
