Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaches New York today to lead Pakistan’s voice at a high-level United Nations Security Council briefing on Palestine.
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar arrived in New York on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, to participate in the United Nations Security Council high-level briefing on the situation in Palestine. The Foreign Office confirmed the Ishaq Dar New York visit follows his departure via London after accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Vienna.
The briefing, chaired by the United Kingdom’s foreign secretary as president of the UNSC, provides Pakistan an immediate platform to address the ongoing crisis. During the session, Ishaq Dar will deliver Pakistan’s national statement. The move underscores Pakistan’s active diplomatic role on the Palestinian question.
Ishaq Dar New York visit focuses on core demands
In its official statement issued on 17 February 2026, the Foreign Office outlined the key messages Ishaq Dar will convey. He will reaffirm Pakistan’s principled and consistent position on Palestine. Ishaq Dar will reiterate strong opposition to Israel’s recent illegal decisions to expand control over the West Bank.
The statement further details that Ishaq Dar will emphasise the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. He will call for full implementation of Security Council resolution 2803, scaled-up humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and the early start of recovery and reconstruction efforts in the territory.
On the broader political track, Ishaq Dar will underscore Pakistan’s continued engagement with international and regional partners. These include the Group of Eight Arab and Islamic countries and the United States. The goal remains a just and lasting peace anchored in international law. This path must lead to the realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous Palestinian State based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Dar UNSC Palestine briefing includes bilateral engagements
On the margins of the Ishaq Dar New York visit, the deputy prime minister will hold bilateral meetings with counterparts. These discussions will cover matters of mutual interest. The engagements form part of Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach during the Dar New York UNSC trip.
The Ishaq Dar UNSC briefing occurs against the backdrop of heightened tensions. On 16 February 2026, Pakistan issued a separate statement rejecting Israel’s illegal measures in the occupied West Bank. This followed the joint statement by foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Background on escalating West Bank crisis
The Group of Eight foreign ministers strongly condemned Israel’s decision to designate lands in the occupied West Bank as so-called “state land”. The move also approves procedures for registration and settlement of land ownership across extensive areas. It marks the first such action since 1967.
The ministers described these steps as a grave escalation. They accelerate illegal settlement activity, land confiscation, and entrench Israeli control. The actions apply unlawful sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territory and undermine legitimate Palestinian rights. The joint statement labels the measures a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law.
Pakistan has maintained consistent solidarity with Palestine. The country was among the earliest to recognise the State of Palestine after its 1988 declaration of independence. This longstanding policy shapes Pakistan’s approach in multilateral forums, including the current Dar UNSC Palestine engagement.
The same Group of Eight had previously coordinated with the United States on a plan to address the situation in Gaza. Their joint efforts reflect growing regional consensus on the need for concrete action toward peace.
What’s next after Ishaq Dar New York mission
Following the UNSC briefing, Ishaq Dar will join Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Washington DC for further high-level engagements. The Ishaq Dar New York visit thus forms the first leg of an intensive diplomatic schedule focused on Palestine and bilateral ties.
Observers note that outcomes from the Dar UNSC Palestine session could influence follow-up discussions in Washington. Pakistan continues to advocate for immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, full humanitarian access, lifting of the blockade, and an end to forced displacement of Palestinians. The country also stresses the right of return for refugees and the establishment of an international protection mechanism.
The Ishaq Dar New York presence reinforces Pakistan’s commitment as a responsible member of the international community. It highlights the need for the UNSC and global actors to move from statements to decisive action on Palestine.
This Dar New York UNSC participation aligns with Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities. It places the Palestinian cause at the centre of South Asian diplomatic efforts within the wider Muslim world and beyond.
The Foreign Office has not yet released the full transcript of Ishaq Dar’s statement at the briefing. Updates are expected later on 18 February 2026.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 18th, 2026
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