Pakistan to prioritise national interests at all costs, Ishaq Dar tells US CdA Natalie Baker

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with United States (US) Charge d’Affaires Natalie A Baker on Wednesday and discussed the recent regional situation.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and security but vowed for befitting response to any misadventure.

“We will prioritize our national interests at all costs,” Ishaq Dar told the US diplomat.

According to the statement, the US expressed its desire to reduce tensions between Pakistan and India and said that it will remain in contact with both countries.

Tensions have escalated between Pakistan and India after the latter’s baseless allegations against Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 persons, the majority of whom were tourists.

Without providing any proof, India accused Pakistan of the attack shortly after it happened.