Ishaq Dar, a seasoned politician with a decades-long career, has been sworn in as Pakistan’s 39th Minister for Foreign Affairs, marking a significant shift in his portfolio after sustained opposition from stakeholders reportedly hindered his appointment to the finance ministry.
The delay in finalizing the cabinet lineup stemmed from discussions between stakeholders and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif regarding Dar’s role, with the finance and interior portfolios already allocated, leaving him with what some perceive as a less prominent position.
Critics point to Dar’s perceived lack of diplomatic finesse, citing his handling of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2022, which they argue resulted in significant economic damage. Concerns have been raised about appointing an individual with limited diplomatic experience during a period of heightened international challenges.
Dar now faces the formidable task of navigating Pakistan’s foreign policy amidst strained relations with neighbouring countries like India and Afghanistan, as well as with global powers like the United States. Former diplomats emphasize the importance of experienced leadership in such challenging times.
However, Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi (retd) suggests that while individual personalities may influence diplomatic interactions, fundamental foreign policy objectives remain unchanged. He underscores Pakistan’s strategic goals of fostering positive relations with neighbours, regional partners like China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and key Western allies.
Naqvi emphasizes that Dar’s role will be guided by policy directives from the Prime Minister and the Foreign Office, suggesting that personal opinions are secondary to overarching foreign policy goals.
As Ishaq Dar assumes his new role, the nation awaits his approach to steering Pakistan’s foreign relations in a complex geopolitical landscape, guided by the broader strategic imperatives set by the government.