ISLAMABAD
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said Islamabad is pursuing diplomacy, reflecting a confident, future-focused Pakistan that builds bridges and values partnerships.
Addressing a seminar in Islamabad on Monday, he said Pakistan has successfully re-established as a respected voice in regional and international forums, from the United Nations and SEO to OIC and World Economic Forum.
The Minister highlighted that Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia have entered a new era of mutual confidence and economic collaboration.
He said the Prime Minister’s recent engagements with Saudi leadership have reinvigorated strategic cooperation and opened pathways for multi-billion dollar investment in energy, mining and infrastructure.
The renewed momentum in the Saudi-Pak Supreme Coordination Council stands as a hallmark of this strengthened partnership.
Talking about Pakistan’s relations with United Arab Emirates and Qatar, Khawaja Asif said both countries have expressed strong interest in expanding their economic footprint in Pakistan.
For renewable energy and ports to information technology and agriculture, these partnerships reflect a shared commitment to regional stability and economic interdependence.
With regard to ties with the United States, the Defence Minister said Pakistan continues to build a broad-based and balanced partnership.
He said recent diplomatic engagements between the two countries have emphasized cooperation in trade, technology, climate resilience and counter-terrorism, reaffirming Pakistan’s constructive role as a bridge between regions and interests.
Khawaja Asif further said that Pakistan’s all-weather strategic partnership with China remains the anchor of regional peace and prosperity.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s interactions with Chinese leadership have reaffirmed both sides’ resolve to expand China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into new domains, including agriculture, information technology and renewable energy. This deepening cooperation symbolizes a shared vision for connectivity and inclusive growth.
He said Pakistan’s outreach to Central Asian Republics represents another milestone in its diplomacy.
He highlighted that through active engagement, the Prime Minister has advanced Pakistan’s role as a gateway for trade and energy transit between Central and South Asia. Projects like CASA1000, TAPI and proposed Trans-Afghan Railway underscore Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity, economic integration and shared prosperity.
About countries relation with the Muslim countries, the Minister for Defence said Pakistan has actively sought to revitalize ties with Iran, Turkiye and Egypt. He said these engagements are grounded in shared faith, mutual respect and collective aspirations for peace and development.
He said Pakistan’s deepening cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation further amplifies its diplomatic voice on issues such as Islamophobia, Palestinians’ rights and humanitarian relief in Gaza and Afghanistan.
Khawaja Asif underscored that Pakistan’s renewed diplomatic activism revolves around economic diplomacy, guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming foreign relations into economic opportunities.
He said Pakistan has sought to attract investments, enhance exports and promote development-orientated partnerships. He added that recent high-level visits have not only revitalized traditional friendship but also restored global confidence in Pakistan’s stability and economic potential.
