Deep Concern Over Current Security Situation in Region, Middle East: Ishaq Dar
Mian Nadeem
Published September 26, 2026 | 05:21 PM
Making the region more integrated, dynamic and competitive is the ECO’s shared goal, while trade among its member states accounts for about 8 percent of total regional trade and the organization’s region is home to around 500 million people, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said while addressing the 27th ECO Council of Ministers meeting.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Sep, 2026) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed deep concern over the current security situation in the region and the middle East.
Addressing the 27th meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers, he stated that Pakistan had assumed the chairmanship of the ECO Council of Ministers for 2026-27. He emphasized the need to transform dialogue into practical steps for effective regional cooperation.
Ishaq Dar asserted that making the region more integrated, dynamic and competitive is the ECO’s collective objective. He highlighted that trade among ECO member states constitutes approximately 8 percent of total regional commerce, while the ECO region encompasses around 500 million inhabitants.
Emphasizing collective strength, he called for its utilization to foster peace, resilience, solidarity, and shared prosperity. According to the Foreign Minister, Pakistan is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and has made diplomatic efforts with neighboring countries to achieve peaceful outcomes.
He pledged that Pakistan would prioritize regional economic integration and the promotion of mutual trade. He further advocated for the acceleration of important corridor projects linking Central Asia with the ports of the Arabian Sea, emphasizing Pakistan’s readiness to serve as a gateway for the region.
Ishaq Dar underscored the necessity of strengthening cooperation on climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable energy in light of climate change posing a serious threat to the region’s water security, agriculture, and employment. He voiced support for making the ECO trade agreement more effective, advocating progress toward activating and digitizing the ECO free trade area to expand access to free markets, promote business, and encourage innovation.
The Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan’s desire for a peaceful, prosperous, and stable Afghanistan, noting that Pakistan had sought constructive engagement with the Taliban government. He emphasized that Pakistan’s sole expectation from the Taliban administration is that it addresses Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns. He concluded by stating that peace and development in the region are contingent upon eliminating the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.