ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, is set to lead Pakistan’s delegation at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Manila, Philippines, on 23 July 2026.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagement in Manila

This high-level diplomatic gathering will convene foreign ministers and senior delegates from the 27 member states constituting the ARF. According to an official press release from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, the Secretary-General of ASEAN is also expected to attend the proceedings, which aim to address pressing regional challenges.

At the upcoming ARF Ministerial Meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will engage in critical discussions concerning political and security developments currently impacting the Asia-Pacific region. These deliberations will place a special emphasis on fostering long-term peace, regional stability, and mutual cooperation through sustained diplomatic dialogue. As the nation aligns itself with Pakistan’s global diplomatic initiatives, this forum serves as a vital venue for the country to articulate its stance on collective security.

Bilateral Consultations and Strategic Outreach

Beyond the plenary sessions, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister is scheduled to conduct a series of bilateral meetings with his Philippine counterpart, along with various other participating dignitaries, on the sidelines of the summit. These engagements are intended to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new avenues for cooperation.

The ARF, which was formally established in 1994, has consistently functioned as a pivotal platform for multilateral consultations regarding regional security architecture. Since securing its membership in 2004, Pakistan has maintained a proactive role within the forum, frequently providing constructive contributions to its diverse range of regional programmes and overarching strategic objectives. This consistent participation underscores Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism as it continues to focus on strengthening international economic and political ties across various regional blocks.