ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar backed the idea of a joint Arab security force this week after Israel’s Sept. 9 airstrikes on Qatar, saying that his country was ready to play a role while highlighting its conventional military abilities.
Speaking to Al Jazeera ahead of the emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha, Dar said it was vital to strengthen multilateralism to ensure peace for everyone by carrying out institutional reforms at the United Nations.
His remarks came days after Israel targeted a group of Hamas leaders discussing a US-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal by hitting a residential neighborhood in Doha. Qatar has been a key mediator in ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas, hosting the Palestinian group’s political bureau as part of the process.
Confirming reports that Arab states were discussing the idea of a combined security force, he said: “Why not? What’s wrong with that? They should [have such a force]. And according to their own capacity, their own strength, they should create some [defense] mechanism.”
Dar maintained such a force would not be developed for offensive purposes but to defend regional states and ensure peace by “stopping the occupier … [and] somebody who just doesn’t listen [to anyone].”
When asked about the role of “nuclear powered Pakistan,” he said his country’s nuclear arsenal was for deterrence but noted Islamabad would stand with Arab states and “discharge its duty” toward the Muslim community.
“Pakistan [has] a very large, known, very effective army, very effective Air Force, very effective Navy,” he added.
Referring to Pakistan’s military standoff with India in May, Dar said his country’s armed forces had proven their worth during the exchange.
Asked if Israel had also targeted Pakistan after Qatar, he said Israel had fully supported India in its war against Pakistan but had seen the results.
