Irfan Siddiqui
In a dynamic first ten days of September, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar showcased both strategic depth and diplomatic agility. His engagements, spanning from bilateral trade initiatives to multilateral forums and regional cooperation, underscored a forward-looking approach to Pakistan’s international outreach.
Strengthening Footprints with Kazakhstan
On September 9, Pakistan and Kazakhstan agreed to a bold target: achieving a $1 billion bilateral trade turnover. The announcement followed a high-level meeting in Islamabad between Dar and Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu. The meeting also culminated in a joint action plan for 2025–2026, signaling fresh momentum in economic collaboration between the two nations. 
Diaspora & Development: Engaging with TVET Strategy
Earlier that same week, Dar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to skill development. In a press briefing, he spotlighted the nation’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) strategy—part of broader efforts to empower the youth and equip them with industry-ready capabilities. 
Diplomatic Outreach and Global Solidarity
Pakistan’s ascension as Chair of SCO-RATS (2025–26) came into focus as Dar steered regional coordination efforts. On September 10, his office reiterated Pakistan’s renewed leadership in regional counterterrorism frameworks, reinforcing strategic partnerships within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. 
Bridging with the United States: A High-Level Connection
In another key development, Dar held a telephonic call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signaling continued openness to high-level dialogues between Islamabad and Washington. Though final details are pending, the exchange reflects Pakistan’s intent to deepen strategic ties with the U.S. 
Final Thoughts
In just the first ten days of September, Muhammad Ishaq Dar demonstrated an astute blend of economic drive, security diplomacy, and global outreach. Whether negotiating ambitious trade targets with Kazakhstan, empowering through education reform, or reasserting Pakistan’s presence on regional platforms like SCO, his leadership has brought both vision and action to the fore. With strengthened ties in Central Asia, deeper transatlantic positioning, and bolstered regional clout, Dar’s blueprint extends well beyond immediate dates—setting a tone for the months ahead.
