Pakistan Demonstrates ‘Power and Responsibility’ Amid Regional Tensions, Says Pakistani Planning Minister

Pkistan has showcased both “power and responsibility” in the face of regional tensions, Pakistani Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal said, highlighting the country’s balanced approach to security and diplomacy.

Speaking to Pakistan TV Newsroom's  journalist Sana Maqbool, the minister pointed to Pakistan’s recent display of Air Force capability — including the downing of an aircraft once deemed “invincible” — and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s immediate call for an international investigation into the Pehlgam incident. 

He said these actions reflect a mature national posture that combines strength with accountability, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.

On Afghanistan’s issue, Iqbal urged Afghanistan’s interim Taliban government to uphold its commitments under the Doha Agreement and ensure that Afghan soil is not used for activities hostile to Pakistan. 

His remarks came as the Foreign Office announced a 48-hour ceasefire following what officials described as a “strong retaliatory response” to an unprovoked October 11 attack by Taliban forces, allegedly carried out in coordination with the India-sponsored group Fitna-al-Khawarij.

“Afghanistan must fulfill its obligations under the Doha Agreement and ensure that its territory is not used against Pakistan,” Iqbal said, emphasizing that Islamabad has made immense sacrifices for Afghanistan and continues to host more than four million Afghan refugees.

The minister also addressed the recently signed Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defense cooperation pact, clarifying that it symbolizes unity rather than confrontation. “The agreement reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding sovereignty and regional stability,” he said.

Iqbal added that Pakistan has reached “a defining moment” in its foreign policy, earning international respect through principled diplomacy and strategic initiatives such as Marka-e-Haq.

During his visit to Pakistan Television, the minister praised the broadcaster’s role in countering misinformation and promoting national cohesion. “Pakistan TV plays a vital role in projecting the country’s perspective globally and reinforcing narratives of peace, development, and regional stability,” he noted.