New York – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while speaking to the Pakistani community at the Consulate Office in New York, stated that he and his leadership team had worked tirelessly to save Pakistan from economic default and successfully steered the country toward development. He emphasized that these achievements were the result of collective efforts.
The President of PPP USA, Khalid Awan, present at the event, expressed appreciation for Dar’s contributions, stating that the deputy prime minister had played a significant role in Pakistan’s progress. Awan remarked that the Pakistan Peoples Party had refrained from populist politics and instead stood firmly with the government in pursuing policies aimed at Pakistan’s survival and security.
During his speech, Awan touched upon various topics, including the evolution of religious interpretations, referencing how music was once restricted but now holds a different place in society. He also raised concerns about overseas Pakistanis, mentioning an unspecified period in France when laws were passed affecting Pakistanis. He urged the government to pay attention to the needs of Pakistani women abroad, calling for proper representation and the formation of committees to address their issues.
In his response, Dar thanked Awan for his remarks and reaffirmed the importance of the coalition government’s unity. He spoke warmly about his relationship with the PPP leadership, mentioning Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, former President Asif Ali Zardari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, describing their interactions as professional and cooperative.
Dar then shifted focus to electoral reforms, recalling his proposal for overseas voting rights. He criticized past attempts to manipulate diaspora votes for political gain, advocating instead for a fair allocation of seats for Pakistanis living abroad. He suggested that political parties should collectively decide on representation for regions such as North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
The deputy prime minister concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to stability and development, acknowledging the challenges faced in passing key legislation but expressing determination to move forward. The event underscored the government’s efforts to engage with the diaspora while addressing domestic economic and political concerns.
