Pakistan has joined more than 30 countries in becoming a founding member of a new China-led initiative aimed at resolving international disputes through mediation.

The Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) was signed in Hong Kong on Friday, marking the formal launch of what Beijing calls the world’s first intergovernmental legal body dedicated to mediation-based conflict resolution.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan at the high-level signing ceremony, which was also attended by delegates from countries such as Indonesia, Belarus, and Cuba. Representatives from nearly 50 countries and 20 international organizations, including the United Nations, were present.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dar praised China’s commitment to multilateralism and highlighted Pakistan’s shared belief in dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful dispute resolution.

“Pakistan and China have always shared the view that multilateralism is the centerpiece for international peace, stability, and development,” he said.

“The creation of IOMed today reaffirms this ideal, offering new opportunities and fresh hopes to build a more inclusive, more just and more equitable world. Pakistan will continue to be an active voice in this noble mission.”

The IOMed, which will be headquartered in Hong Kong, is positioned as a complementary body to existing institutions such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). While those bodies focus on adjudication and arbitration, IOMed seeks to offer structured, institutionalized mediation for resolving a broad range of disputes.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the organization is a significant step forward in promoting “Chinese wisdom” for resolving global conflicts.

“The establishment of the International Organization for Mediation helps to move beyond the zero-sum mindset of ‘you lose and I win,’” he stated.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee added that the organization could begin operations by the end of 2025, further cementing the city’s role as a legal and dispute resolution hub in Asia.

Legal experts such as Professor Yueming Yan of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Professor Shahla Ali of the University of Hong Kong underscored the IOMed’s potential to offer flexible, cooperative solutions for a range of international conflicts — from state-to-state disputes to investor-state disagreements.

Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s own domestic efforts to strengthen dispute resolution frameworks, noting the recent establishment of the International Mediation and Arbitration Center (IMAC) in Pakistan.

“We look forward to collaborating with the Secretariat of IOMed and IMAC of Pakistan,” he said.

The initiative comes at a time when China is increasingly asserting its influence in the global south and promoting alternative governance and dispute resolution frameworks outside of Western-dominated institutions.

Pakistan FM reaffirms commitment to peace and dialogue

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan at the historic signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), held in Hong Kong. The event marked the birth of a new global institution aimed at promoting peaceful resolution of international disputes through mediation.

Dar congratulated the People's Republic of China on hosting the landmark ceremony and lauded Chinese leadership for transforming a shared vision into reality. He likened the establishment of IOMed to the creation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), calling it “an exceptional step in the world of mediation.”

“Today’s signing ceremony marks not only the beginning of a new era in international mediation but also the birth of a global institution rooted in multilateralism,” he said. “Pakistan is proud to stand among the founding members of IOMed.”

The deputy prime minister praised the choice of Hong Kong as the headquarters of the new body, calling it a dynamic city that acts as a "super connector" between East and West.

Dar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace and legal frameworks for dispute resolution, highlighting the country’s own efforts through the establishment of the International Mediation and Arbitration Center (IMAC) to promote commercial and investment dispute resolution.

“Pakistan believes that global peace and prosperity can be achieved through strict adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, faithful implementation of Security Council resolutions, and respect for international law,” he said.

In a strong diplomatic message, Dar also pointed to rising global challenges including the erosion of multilateralism, escalating populism, and the rise of unilateral actions. He expressed concern over persistent conflicts and unresolved disputes, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and the occupied Palestinian territories.

“Our eastern neighbor’s recent unprovoked military aggression and disregard for international treaties, such as the Indus Waters Treaty, have set dangerous precedents,” he said, referring to India without naming it. “Such acts violate international law and defy calls for de-escalation by the global community.”

Dar reaffirmed that violations of the UN Charter and the arbitrary use of force should never be normalized. He stressed the need for peaceful resolution of long-standing disputes in accordance with international law and UN Security Council resolutions.

Addressing emerging global challenges, Dar voiced support for China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI), proposed by President Xi Jinping, which promotes win-win cooperation, respect for sovereignty, and dialogue over confrontation.

“As a country with an all-weather strategic partnership with China, Pakistan values China’s support for multilateralism and efforts to bridge global divides,” he added. “The creation of IOMed reaffirms our shared vision of a just, inclusive, and equitable world.”