The Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) once again underscored Pakistan’s growing diplomatic clout, as it firmly took centre stage while India was visibly sidelined.
Under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan skillfully utilized the forum to highlight India’s aggression — particularly over the Pahalgam incident — and exposed New Delhi’s belligerent posture without solid evidence or a proper investigation.
India, meanwhile, suffered a diplomatic embarrassment. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar failed to rally China or other member states into issuing a joint condemnation of the Pahalgam incident. His narrative — that the attack was an attempt to stoke a religious divide and undermine Jammu and Kashmir’s economy — was largely dismissed.
In contrast, Dar delivered a meticulously prepared speech, presenting Pakistan’s position with clarity and composure. He stressed that Pakistan’s restraint in the face of Indian aggression helped avert a full-scale conflict.
“It is most unfortunate that the attribution of the Pahalgam attack to Pakistan — without credible investigation or verifiable evidence — brought two nuclear-armed states to the brink of major conflict,” Dar stated. “Pakistan’s responsible and measured response was met with legal violations, warmongering rhetoric, and strategic recklessness.”
Notably, Dar refrained from mentioning how Pakistan downed six Indian fighter jets — a moment that could have served to humiliate India. Instead, he chose a diplomatic tone, emphasizing Pakistan’s preference for dialogue over confrontation.
“Pakistan remains committed to the ceasefire and to maintaining a stable regional equilibrium. However, we cannot allow the arbitrary use of force to become normalized. Disputes must be resolved through diplomacy, not coercion,” he asserted.
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He also reminded India of its obligations under bilateral agreements — particularly the Indus Waters Treaty, which Delhi unilaterally suspended following the Pahalgam episode.
“Strict adherence to bilateral agreements is essential. The developments since April 22 reaffirm a core truth of South Asian geopolitics: peaceful resolution of long-standing disputes is vital for regional stability.”
Dar’s diplomacy extended beyond speeches. He held a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart and was also granted an audience with President Xi Jinping — a gesture of significance reflecting Beijing’s support.
He concluded by commending the SCO’s inclusive and stabilizing role:
“The SCO’s commitment to sovereignty, equality, and peaceful dispute resolution offers a powerful alternative to confrontation and rivalry. Let us move forward together toward a future defined by cooperation, not conflict.”