The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar had a breakfast meeting with Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Commonwealth Secretary‑General, in London today. He congratulated her and welcomed her leadership as the seventh Secretary‑General of the Commonwealth. Recalling their earlier conversation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, the DPM emphasized that as a founding member, Pakistan attaches great importance to the Commonwealth and reaffirmed its unwavering support for the organisation. He also expressed confidence that the organization remains a vital forum for advancing shared values and consensus among member states.
The DPM 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. He also highlighted Pakistan’s acute vulnerability to climate change and requested Commonwealth support.
Underscoring Pakistan’s leadership in youth and gender initiatives, DPM/FM noted Pakistan’s co‑chairmanship of the Commonwealth Youth Task Force and its role in modernizing the Commonwealth Youth Programme, as well as Pakistan’s honour to host the Secretariat of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance. He appreciated the Commonwealth’s support for Pakistani youth and hailed the recent signing of the landmark Letter of Intent between Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the British Esports Federation to collaboratively develop a vibrant Esports ecosystem in Pakistan.
The DPM/FM 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 H.E. Botchwey to visit Islamabad at her earliest convenience.
Published on : August 19, 2025
Last Update : August 19, 2025