ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the Commonwealth’s Sustainable Development and Connectivity agendas, vowing to play a more active role in promoting intra-Commonwealth trade and development.
The Deputy PM expressed the remarks at a breakfast meeting with Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, in London on Tuesday, a Foreign Office statement said.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister congratulated Botchwey on her appointment as the seventh Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and welcomed her leadership.
Reflecting on their earlier discussion at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised Pakistan’s deep commitment to the Commonwealth as a founding member and reaffirmed its steadfast support for the organization.
He expressed confidence in the Commonwealth’s role as a vital platform for fostering shared values and building consensus among member states.
Ishaq Dar assured the Secretary‑General of Pakistan’s strong commitment to the Commonwealth’s Sustainable Development and Connectivity agendas.
He underscored Pakistan’s intent to play a more active role in promoting intra‑Commonwealth trade and development.
Additionally, the Deputy PM underscored Pakistan’s acute vulnerability to climate change and sought the Commonwealth’s support in addressing this pressing challenge.
Highlighting Pakistan’s leadership in youth and gender initiatives, the Deputy Prime Minister noted Pakistan’s co-chairmanship of the Commonwealth Youth Task Force and its role in modernising the Commonwealth Youth Programme.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, met the Secretary General Commonwealth Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey @AyorkorBotchwey in London.
The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Commonwealth agenda for sustainable development,… pic.twitter.com/jwirTZ6Qis
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 19, 2025
He also expressed pride in Pakistan’s position as host of the Secretariat of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance.
Ishaq Dar acknowledged the Commonwealth’s continued support for Pakistani youth and welcomed the recent signing of the landmark Letter of Intent between the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the British Esports Federation, aimed at collaboratively developing a vibrant Esports ecosystem in Pakistan.
He praised the Secretary‑General’s efforts in formulating the 2025–2030 Commonwealth Strategic Plan and offered Pakistan’s full cooperation in advancing the shared goals of development, democracy, and resilience.
He also conveyed a warm invitation for the Secretary General to visit Islamabad at her earliest convenience.
