Two ministries have always been considered the most important and challenging responsibilities in any government: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. From ancient empires to modern nation-states, the significance of these ministries has never diminished. The success of any country or empire largely depends on the strength and effectiveness of its foreign and financial policies.
In the current context, if we examine Pakistan’s foreign affairs and financial management, the country appears to be performing remarkably well on both fronts. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who has already established himself as a successful Finance Minister, possesses undeniable competence and vast experience that have rarely been questioned.
The country is on a path of progress, and nothing can hinder its forward movement.
During the conflict with India in May 2025, Ishaq Dar played a crucial role by successfully managing the diplomatic front and convincing the global community of Pakistan’s stance. India attempted to mislead the world through what was described as a false flag operation in Pahalgam. However, India failed to present any credible evidence to any country or its envoys linking Pakistan to the incident. In contrast, Ishaq Dar effectively engaged with friendly nations as well as major global powers, convincing them that Pakistan had no involvement whatsoever. As a result, the international community rejected India’s narrative and acknowledged Pakistan’s position as credible. This stands as one of the most significant achievements in Ishaq Dar’s political career.
Today, the world is once again facing tense conditions. While the ongoing conflict involves Iran, the United States, and Israel, Pakistan remains at the center of global discussions. Media outlets across the world are prominently mentioning Pakistan. The President of the United States himself has shared statements from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on social media, which serves as clear evidence of Pakistan’s successful diplomacy.
Despite health challenges, Ishaq Dar continues to lead the diplomatic front with dedication. High-level visits by foreign ministers from Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia to Pakistan reflect the country’s growing diplomatic relevance. Pakistan is actively leading efforts for dialogue and peace. On one occasion, Ishaq Dar suffered a fall resulting in a shoulder fracture, and doctors advised him to rest. Nevertheless, he proceeded with his official visit to China, demonstrating his commitment to national duty and his unwavering dedication to serving the country.
Ishaq Dar has proven that he is not only a capable Finance Minister but also a successful Foreign Minister. For him, national responsibility and the country’s prestige take precedence over personal health, and he is not willing to compromise on these principles. His effective handling of diplomatic affairs reflects the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and the experience he gained while working under his guidance.
Nawaz Sharif’s policies have not always been conventional; however, he has consistently been a proponent of peace. He has taken several bold and difficult decisions in pursuit of stability and harmony. Ishaq Dar has also learned from Nawaz Sharif that maintaining peace often requires sacrifice, and he has demonstrated this principle in practice. This is why today the global community acknowledges Ishaq Dar’s performance.
If we turn to the Ministry of Finance, one policy of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stands out as particularly commendable: the state’s role is not to engage in business but to facilitate and protect those who do. As a result, the confidence of Pakistani investors in the state is steadily increasing.
Pakistan today stands at a very promising and respectable position. The world increasingly views Pakistan as a safe country. Due to tensions in the Middle East, images of international aircraft stationed at Pakistani airports and ships carrying the Pakistani flag passing through the Strait of Hormuz have been widely circulated on global social media platforms. These developments highlight Pakistan’s growing importance.
This period represents one of the highest points in Pakistan’s history since its inception. The country is on a path of progress, and nothing can hinder its forward movement. When leadership is sincere, success inevitably becomes the nation’s destiny.
The writer is the PRO of information minister Punjab.