ANTALYA, Friday, April 17, 2026 (WNP): ADeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday said South Asia’s vast economic potential remains largely untapped due to a persistent trust deficit, calling for enhanced cooperation to unlock shared growth opportunities.

Addressing a panel titled “Trading Trust: The Future of Economic Integration and Stability in South Asia” at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, Dar emphasized the need for increased trade, improved connectivity and stronger people-to-people linkages across the region.

He noted that despite significant potential, South Asia continues to be one of the least economically integrated regions in the world, primarily due to a lack of mutual trust among countries.

Highlighting the broader regional environment, the foreign minister said ongoing conflicts and tensions have disrupted energy supply chains, creating ripple effects across economies. He added that these disruptions are affecting not only energy security but also food security, inflation and overall economic stability.

Dar expressed hope that resolution of these challenges would pave the way for sustainable progress and regional stability.

Underscoring the importance of multilateralism, he stressed adherence to international frameworks and the need to strengthen cooperative regional mechanisms. In this regard, he highlighted the role of organizations such as South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and the United Nations.

He also reiterated the importance of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions to achieve lasting peace in the region.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance, Dar said the country remains committed to dialogue, international law and inclusive development as the foundation for a stable and economically integrated South Asia.