Pakistan has officially become a co-signatory to the newly established International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), a Hong Kong-based initiative spearheaded by China to promote global dispute resolution.
According to a statement from the Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed the convention on behalf of Pakistan during a ceremony held in Hong Kong.
China’s goal for IOMed is to create a mediation platform that rivals institutions like the International Court of Justice, enhancing Hong Kong’s role on the global stage. Several nations, including Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, and Serbia, also participated in the signing ceremony. Representatives from around 20 international organisations, including the United Nations, were expected to attend.
In his remarks, FM Dar praised China’s leadership for its vision in establishing IOMed, which he said demonstrates the importance of multilateralism in ensuring international peace, development, and stability. He emphasized that the organization presents fresh opportunities for creating a fairer and more inclusive world. As a founding member, Pakistan is committed to actively contributing to this global mission, he added.
The deputy prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to peace, security, and development through adherence to the principles of the UN Charter and international law. He also criticized India for violations of international law, citing its aggressive actions against Pakistan, the ongoing suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and its occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. He further pointed to the occupied Palestinian Territories as another example of unresolved conflict undermining regional peace.
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position on resolving the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The creation of IOMed was first proposed at the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing in April 2019. China launched discussions in 2021 and invited Pakistan to participate as one of its founding members. The organization is open to all countries and is founded on principles of mutual respect, equality, and inclusion of different legal traditions and mediators.
Meeting with Hong Kong Chief Executive
During his visit, FM Dar also met with John Lee, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. He congratulated him on the launch of IOMed and praised Hong Kong’s emerging role as an international mediation hub linking the East and West.
Both sides explored ways to enhance trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and Hong Kong. Dar welcomed the initiative as aligned with President Xi Jinping’s vision and consistent with Pakistan’s approach to dialogue-based diplomacy.
He also commended the economic and social development achieved by Hong Kong under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework and acknowledged the Pakistani community’s contributions to the city’s diversity and economic progress.
FM Dar shared details of the meeting on X, calling it “cordial and productive.” Chief Executive John Lee expressed strong interest in deepening bilateral ties and expanding collaboration between Hong Kong and Pakistan.
