Dar reaffirms commitment to commonwealth partnership

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering dedication to its alliance with the Commonwealth.

In a press briefing held today in Islamabad with Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland, he emphasized Pakistan’s high regard for the Commonwealth and its institutions, describing it as a vital forum for building consensus and fostering partnerships amidst unprecedented global challenges.Commonwealth SG arrives in Pakistan on Sunday

Ishaq Dar urged that the Commonwealth should more urgently address unresolved disputes among member nations and advocate for the adherence to international law and the execution of UN Security Council resolutions.

The Foreign Minister highlighted that Pakistan’s vision for regional connectivity and trade aligns with the Commonwealth’s connectivity goals.

He noted that Pakistan sees extensive opportunities for collaboration with the Commonwealth in achieving development objectives, particularly in areas such as education, skills development, youth and women empowerment, health, and environmental conservation.

Ishaq Dar endorsed the Commonwealth’s goal of boosting intra-Commonwealth trade to two trillion dollars by 2030. He stated that this initiative would not only generate job opportunities for the youth but also create a favorable environment for mutual cooperation among member states.

He also informed the Commonwealth Secretary General about Pakistan’s strategies for tackling climate change and expressed Pakistan’s readiness to work with the Commonwealth in enhancing resilience to climate-induced disasters.

During the meeting, the Commonwealth Secretary General commended Pakistan for its resilience and determination following the 2022 floods, affirming that the Commonwealth had stood in solidarity with the Pakistani people during those challenging times.