Honourable Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Sb.,
Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Excellencies,
Ladies & Gentlemen,

Asalamau Alaikum and good evening!

I extend my warm greetings to all on the blessed occasion of Ramadan.

My special thanks to the Foreign Minister for inviting me to this inter-faith Iftar dinner, which is an annual tradition of the Foreign Office.

I am pleased to see this inclusive gathering of Islamabad-based diplomatic community today which is in itself, a reflection of Ramadan’s blessings. 

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Ramadan signifies more than just fasting. It is about sacrifice,self-discipline, and hospitality.  

This month advocates respect for all. It also embodies the spirit of caring for and sharing with those in need.

What adds a special touch to the appeal of this holy month is its powerful message of harmony, peace, and tolerance. 

These timeless and universal values are what we need the most today as we grapple with the multitude of challenges in different domains and at different levels.

In a world divided by disputes and conflicts, pulled apart by parochial ideologies, and marred by inequalities, the spirit of Ramadan helps us to spread the much-needed message of hope, peace and inclusivity.

 It can help us choose empathy over apathy; compassion over indifference; and mutual respect over hatred.
 Ladies & Gentlemen,

As a progressive democracy, Pakistan is proud of its diverse social, ethnic and religious fabric. 

Our constitution guarantees equal human rights and fundamental freedoms to all Pakistani citizens, without any distinction. 

To translate these constitutionally guaranteed rights into reality, we have, over the years, undertaken various policy, legal and affirmative measures. 

As a result, every community in Pakistan has complete freedom to profess and practice its faith and go to their preferred places of worship. 

This aspect of Pakistani society needs to be highlighted.  

Ladies & Gentlemen, 

Promoting peace, development and human rights, continues to inspire Pakistan’s foreign policy, as it does our domestic policies. 

As a peace-loving nation, Pakistan desires friendly relations with all members of the international community. Enmity with none. My Government will vigorously pursue this enlightened vision of our founding fathers. 

The auspicious occasion of Ramadan demands that we must all take a moment to remember those men, women, children and elderly, who are braving oppression and violence. 

I would especially like to reiterate Pakistan’s firm support for the people of Palestine in their just struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination.

While we welcome the UN Security Council’s recent resolution demanding immediate ceasefire in Gaza, it is imperative that this Resolution is immediately implemented in letter and spirit. Brutalities against the Palestinians must end henceforth. 

Similarly, on behalf of the people of Pakistan, I reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).

 
Excellencies, 

It was only a few weeks back that my Government took over following the peaceful general election in the country. 

Economic revival, governance reforms, and uplift of the people of Pakistan are at the heart of my Government’s agenda. 

We have firmly set our eyes on achieving accelerated development. We are determined to mobilize our full national potential to turn our economic trajectory around. 

To transform challenges into opportunities, we will actively seek to enhance trade, forge economic partnerships and attract foreign investment. These shall be the pillars of our bilateral cooperation and engagement with other countries. 

However, there will be no compromise on our core national interests, on the safety and security of the people of Pakistan, on our sovereignty and our territorial integrity.  

To sum up, as a responsible member of the international community with a proud legacy of proactive and robust diplomacy, Pakistan would continue to contribute to regional and global efforts for peace and sustainable development for all.

Distinguished colleagues, 

United in the spirit of Ramadan, let us endeavor to promote the shared values of this holy month by words and by deeds.

Let us work together to forge a peaceful, inclusive and equitable world. 

May the blessings of Ramadan light up our paths in this collective endeavor.  

I thank you