On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to collaborating with the Commonwealth to advance its agenda on connectivity, education, youth and women empowerment, and climate resilience. Speaking at a joint press briefing with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, Dar emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to supporting initiatives that strengthen and modernize the Commonwealth to address 21st-century challenges.
Dar praised Secretary-General Scotland for her dedicated service during her eight-year term, highlighting her contributions to promoting the Commonwealth’s values, including education, youth empowerment, and climate action. He specifically noted her support for Pakistan following the 2022 floods, including the appointment of a climate finance advisor for the country.
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The Deputy Prime Minister urged the Commonwealth to address outstanding disputes among member states with greater urgency and advocate for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions. He expressed Pakistan’s alignment with the Commonwealth’s vision for regional connectivity and identified opportunities for collaboration in education, health, and environmental preservation. Dar also mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is looking forward to attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 in Apia, Samoa, and that he plans to engage with counterparts during the Commonwealth foreign ministers meeting in September.
In response, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland commended Pakistan for its ongoing support of the Commonwealth and its recovery efforts from the 2022 floods, which had severely impacted millions. She praised Pakistan’s commitment to Commonwealth principles and its significant young population, which she sees as pivotal for the future of the Commonwealth.
Scotland also highlighted the Commonwealth’s goal to increase intra-Commonwealth trade to US$2 trillion by 2030, noting that trade within the Commonwealth is generally faster, cheaper, and easier compared to other regions. She reiterated the Commonwealth’s commitment to combating all forms of discrimination and promoting fairness and equality, particularly for girls and women.
