Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister has reiterated the country’s support for ASEAN’s efforts to promote peace and prosperity in the region, according to a report by The Nation (Pakistan).
Speaking on the occasion of ASEAN Day, the deputy PM, identified as Dar in the report, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the bloc’s goals. The statement was published on Saturday, August 8, 2026, and was carried by The Nation (Pakistan), which did not provide further details on the remarks or the context in which they were made.
The reaffirmation comes as ASEAN marked its 59th founding anniversary. The report from The Nation (Pakistan) was one of several items in a Google News roundup covering the day’s events. Other outlets in the same roundup noted that Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, marked the occasion by illuminating Delhi’s Qutub Minar with the ASEAN emblem for the first time, as reported by Tribune India and ANI News. Additionally, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening ties with the 11-member bloc, according to Firstpost.
Pakistan is not a member of ASEAN, but has historically engaged with the bloc through dialogue partnerships and bilateral channels. The deputy PM’s statement signals a continued interest in maintaining constructive relations with Southeast Asian nations.
The exact wording of Dar’s remarks and any specific initiatives mentioned were not included in the available summary. The Nation (Pakistan) report did not elaborate on whether the statement was made at an official event or in a written message.
What to watch next: Whether Pakistan follows this verbal support with concrete proposals at upcoming ASEAN-related forums, and how the bloc responds to outreach from non-member states.
