ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, said Thursday that India is experiencing "extreme frustration" over Pakistan's increasing diplomatic relevance on the global stage, as Islamabad positions itself as a key mediator in the ongoing Middle East war.
Speaking at a press conference, the information minister said the purpose of the briefing was to address ongoing international developments and Pakistan's role in resolving them. He said that Pakistan was a responsible actor whose mediation efforts have drawn broad international acknowledgment.
"There is extreme frustration, extreme anxiety," he said of India's reaction to Pakistan's rising profile. "As they become irrelevant, they have been incensed at Pakistan's enhanced role, at Pakistan's relevance and significance."
He attributed the diplomatic gains to “a strong partnership” between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Tarar credited their efforts at the international level, which the entire world has acknowledged.
The minister said even India's own media has criticized its government over the contrast. He noted that Indian commentators there have acknowledged that Pakistan has emerged as a stronger and more relevant voice in world affairs in comparison to India.
Tarar said the international community has accepted and recognized Pakistan's efforts at every level, a reality he said is now beyond dispute.
He stated that Pakistan's engagement at the United Nations Security Council would be remembered, citing the country's vocal stance on Palestine and its role with regards to Iran. He said Pakistan had navigated those positions carefully; by protecting strategic ties while engaging allied nations, Pakistan demonstrated a balanced foreign policy.
The minister also pointed to Pakistan's economic recovery as part of its broader resurgence. He described the turnaround from near-default as a "phenomenal" reversal, one the entire world had taken note of. He said Pakistan's Federal Board of Revenue transformation model was presented at a World Bank meeting as a successful case study.
