Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday warned that the conflicts unfolding across the world pose a grave threat to global peace, stressing that South Asia faces an increasingly complex mix of security, climate, and economic challenges.

Speaking at Islamabad Conclave 2025 titled 'Reimagining South Asia: Security, Economy, Climate, Connectivity', he said even the Pakistan-India confrontation in May could have escalated dangerously.

Dar said the international security landscape is rapidly deteriorating and that wars in different parts of the world continue to endanger global stability. He noted that South Asia, home to 25% of the world’s population, faces some of the most pressing challenges.

The deputy prime minister stressed that the security scenario in South Asia is extremely complex, with long-standing disputes such as Kashmir threatening regional peace.

Climate change, food insecurity worsening

Calling climate change “the major challenge of our time”, Dar highlighted how rising temperatures, floods, and the melting of more than 25,000 glaciers in South Asia are devastating local economies. He said the region is facing worsening food shortages, with climate impacts directly affecting agriculture and vulnerable communities.

South Asian countries, he added, must take these challenges seriously and work collectively to improve resilience.

Energy dependence, economic pressures

Dar noted that South Asia remains heavily dependent on oil and gas due to persistent energy shortages, putting additional strain on economies already coping with global market volatility. He said the global economic scenario is shifting, making regional cooperation even more essential.

Regional ties, he stressed, are crucial for shared prosperity and long-term stability.

India’s unilateral move on Indus Waters Treaty

Dar criticized India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a troubling development in an already tense regional environment. He said Pakistan has consistently opposed bloc politics and remains a “champion of the UN Charter,” supporting peace based on justice and respect.

Peace, cooperation, development

Dar underscored the importance of building a conducive environment for negotiations, saying South Asian nations must work to address “the lack of security and development” in the region. He emphasized the need to “implement peace with honour and respect.”

He mentioned that Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China launched a new cooperation mechanism earlier this year aimed at supporting development without allowing external pressures to dictate regional priorities. “We will not let our development needs become hostage to anyone,” he added.

Dar expressed optimism that regional growth rates will improve soon, provided countries recommit to dialogue, cooperation, and stability.