Pakistan suffers over $150bn in economic losses

July 23, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan has suffered more than $150 billion in economic losses and lost over 90,000 lives due to terrorism, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar said on Thursday.

He urged the Afghan Taliban to ensure that Afghan territory is not used by terrorist groups to launch attacks against neighbouring countries.

Addressing the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, Ishaq Dar said Afghanistan must prevent groups including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan refers to as Fitna Al-Khawarij, and affiliated factions from using Afghan soil to launch attacks.

He said honouring these commitments would unlock significant trade, investment, and connectivity opportunities across South and Central Asia.

The deputy prime minister identified eight major challenges confronting regional and global security, including South Asian stability, the Gulf situation, Gaza, counter-terrorism, Afghanistan, Ukraine, the South China Sea, and climate change.

He said the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute remained at the core of instability in South Asia and reiterated Pakistan's support for a peaceful resolution in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Ishaq Dar also expressed concern over India's unilateral decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, saying any attempt to weaponize water resources violated international obligations and threatened the lives and livelihoods of nearly 250 million Pakistanis.

He urged the international community, particularly ARF member states, to oppose arbitrary and unilateral actions and uphold international law, according to APP.

Referring to developments in the Gulf, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had played an active diplomatic role in promoting peace and de-escalation, including facilitating a ceasefire and convening leadership-level talks that resulted in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

He thanked the United States, Iran, Gulf countries, and other international partners for their confidence in Pakistan's efforts and called on all parties to honour their commitments, exercise restraint, ensure regional stability, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and allow the unconditional resumption of international shipping.

On the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the deputy prime minister condemned the ongoing atrocities and reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan's support for diplomatic solutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and the South China Sea while reiterating the country's firm commitment to the One-China policy.

Highlighting Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change, Ishaq Dar said the country contributes less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions but remains among the nations most affected by climate-related disasters.

He called for stronger international cooperation based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

Ishaq Dar welcomed the adoption of the Manila Plan of Action 2026, commended the Philippines for hosting the forum, and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and ASEAN's consensus-driven approach.

He said Pakistan values ASEAN's role in promoting dialogue and supports enhanced cooperation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, climate change, food and energy security, disaster resilience, and public health preparedness, adding that the ARF should continue strengthening practical cooperation to address evolving regional and global security challenges.

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