Dar urges ECO states to strengthen regional cooperation

NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for stronger regional cooperation as he voiced concern over the worsening security situation in the Middle East and surrounding region.

Addressing the informal meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers in New York, Dar said Pakistan remained committed to resolving disputes through peaceful negotiations and in line with international law.

He said Pakistan had been engaging with regional partners to support diplomatic solutions and that recent efforts had produced progress that needed to be preserved.

Dar urged ECO member states to use their collective strength to promote peace, stability, resilience and economic prosperity across the region. He said the organisation represented nearly half a billion people but still accounted for only a small share of global trade.

According to Dar, the ECO region covers around eight million square kilometres but contributes only about 2.2 per cent of global trade. Intra-regional trade also remains limited, accounting for roughly 8 per cent of the region’s total trade.

He said these figures showed the need for greater economic integration. Dar called for reforms within the ECO Secretariat and its affiliated institutions to ensure they could respond effectively to changing political and economic conditions.

As chair of the ECO Council of Ministers for 2026-27, Pakistan will focus on trade integration, connectivity, transit, trade facilitation and climate resilience, he said.

Dar also stressed the importance of improving transport links, customs procedures and transit systems. He said Pakistan was prepared to serve as a regional gateway by using its geographical position and visa reforms to facilitate the movement of people and goods.

He called for progress towards a digitally enabled ECO free trade area and urged member states to build on the roadmap approved by ECO trade ministers in 2025.

Climate change was another major issue raised by Dar. He said rising climate-related risks were affecting water supplies, agriculture and livelihoods across the region. He called for greater cooperation in disaster management, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable energy and adaptation.

Afghanistan security concerns

Dar also highlighted security concerns linked to Afghanistan, saying lasting regional development required peace and stability.

He said Pakistan wanted Afghanistan to become peaceful, stable and economically integrated with neighbouring countries. Islamabad, he added, had pursued engagement with the Taliban authorities and offered trade and transit facilities.

Dar said Pakistan’s main expectation was that Afghan territory should not be used against Pakistan. He called for concrete and verifiable action against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and their affiliates, which Islamabad accuses of carrying out attacks in Pakistan.

He said eliminating the terrorist threat from Afghanistan was essential for achieving sustainable peace and development in the region.