Pakistan Commits to Address 21st Century Challenges, Says Deputy Prime Minister

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister Ishrat Dar has announced Pakistan’s commitment to tackling 21st-century challenges alongside the Commonwealth. Recognizing Pakistan’s role as a member state, he emphasized the significance of collective wealth and its institutions.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, Dar welcomed Scotland’s first official visit to Pakistan, highlighting it as a testament to strong bilateral relations. He expressed gratitude for the Secretary-General’s cooperation in climate change and other shared challenges, noting Scotland’s pivotal role in enhancing Commonwealth prosperity.
“Pakistan faces various challenges, including climate change, and participating in the Commonwealth is a crucial platform to address global challenges,” Dar remarked. “We attach great importance to the principles of state relations and the Commonwealth’s role in maintaining them,” he added, stressing the Commonwealth’s responsibility in resolving inter-state disputes.
“Our government is also working to enhance connectivity with Central Asian countries,” Dar continued, praising initiatives to expand bilateral trade volumes within the Commonwealth.
Patricia Scotland acknowledged Pakistan’s resilience in the face of adversity, particularly citing the impact of the 2022 floods on 33 million Pakistanis. “The Commonwealth is a crucial platform, and there are many important tasks ahead of us,” she affirmed.
She also noted that Pakistan has a significant youth population, describing them as vital assets for the country’s future development. “These young people will play a crucial role in Pakistan’s reconstruction and progress,” she concluded.
The joint press conference underscored Pakistan’s commitment to collaborating with the Commonwealth on global challenges, marking a new chapter in their bilateral relations.