In the wake of years of political turmoil in Pakistan, a new government has taken shape with Shehbaz Sharif at the helm as Prime Minister. With the formation of the new cabinet, senior PML-N leader and economist Muhammad Ishaq Dar has been appointed as the country's new Foreign Minister. Thus, the responsibility of managing Pakistan's foreign relations, particularly amidst an economic crisis, now largely falls on Dar's shoulders. But just who is Ishaq Dar?
Among the 19 ministers inducted into PM Shehbaz Sharif's cabinet is Muhammad Ishaq Dar, a respected ethnic Kashmiri. Dar, a former Chartered Accountant, is well regarded as a confidant of Nawaz Sharif. He has also served multiple terms as Pakistan’s Finance Minister in previous administrations.
Being of ethnic Kashmiri descent, Dar hails from a lineage deeply rooted in the Kashmir Valley, making him a true native of Kashmir.
Limited Foreign Affairs Experience
While Muhammad Ishaq Dar may not have extensive foreign affairs experience, he has been entrusted with the task of improving strained relations with neighboring countries like India and Afghanistan.
Reports indicate that upon assuming the role of Foreign Minister, Dar was briefed on Pakistan's foreign relations and external challenges, including those with India and Afghanistan.
Sources suggest that Dar has been informed of India's continual efforts to isolate Pakistan internationally, highlighting a strategy that seems to limit the prospects of improved relations between the two nations.
Following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in August 2019, relations between India and Pakistan deteriorated drastically, resulting in severed trade ties, which greatly impacted Pakistan due to their reliance on importing affordable essential goods from India.
Dar's Stance on Kashmir
Dar's views on Kashmir align with Pakistan's national stance. On Kashmir Solidarity Day, February 5th, Dar declared on social media Pakistan's moral and diplomatic support for the Kashmiris' rights.
India has repeatedly asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India—past, present, and future. India maintains that it desires normal relations with Pakistan, provided there is an environment free of terror and violence.
Challenges for Dar
In his role as Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar faces numerous challenges. Beyond deteriorating relations with India, Pakistan's ties with Afghanistan could become contentious. Although Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of fostering terrorism, the Taliban government denies such allegations.
Moreover, Pakistan's relations with Iran aren't optimal. Both nations have recently conducted airstrikes on each other, sparking significant controversy.
