HONG KONG, Friday, May 30, 2025 (WNP): Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, on Friday hailed China’s leadership for spearheading the creation of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), calling it a milestone in multilateral diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.

Speaking at the official signing ceremony in Hong Kong, where Pakistan became a founding member of the newly established IOMed, Senator Dar lauded the initiative as a “testament to Chinese wisdom” and a step toward ushering in a new era of diplomacy.

“This marks not only the birth of a vital global institution for mediation and conflict resolution, but also a significant moment in the evolution of international diplomacy,” he said.

Dar drew a parallel between the launch of IOMed and China’s earlier global initiatives, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), calling the new mediation body an “exceptional step in global peacemaking, just as AIIB was for international finance.”

He welcomed the decision to base IOMed in Hong Kong, describing the city as a “super-connector” that bridges East and West, and one well-positioned to lead a transformational shift in global mediation efforts.

During the visit, Senator Dar also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both leaders reaffirmed the “ironclad” Pakistan-China friendship and agreed to deepen cooperation under their “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” including progress on CPEC Phase II.

In a separate meeting with Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, Senator Dar congratulated the Special Administrative Region on hosting the historic event and praised its growing role in global diplomacy and dispute resolution under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. The two leaders discussed proposals to enhance trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, Dar highlighted the establishment of the International Mediation and Arbitration Centre (IMAC) in Pakistan as a domestic initiative aligned with IOMed’s mission. He expressed confidence in future cooperation between IMAC and IOMed.

Dar also used the forum to spotlight key regional conflicts. He called attention to the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, framing both as critical threats to global peace and justice.

In a strong rebuke of India, he condemned what he called “unprovoked and unjustified military aggression,” violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, and disregard for international humanitarian law. “Such actions set dangerous precedents and undermine global peace efforts,” he warned.

Dar emphasized that the creation of IOMed sends a clear message: the international community stands united in upholding the UN Charter and the rule of law, and will not normalize unilateral use of force.

The Deputy Prime Minister also endorsed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative (GSI), noting its alignment with Pakistan’s vision for sovereignty, dialogue, and cooperative security.

“Through our participation in IOMed, Pakistan brings not only its diplomatic legacy but a firm commitment to dialogue, justice, and equity,” Dar said in his concluding remarks. “We will remain an active and vocal supporter of IOMed’s noble mission to promote peace worldwide.”