Islamabad, In a significant call for action at the Global Health Security Summit, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar emphasized the urgent need for increased international collaboration in funding and establishing global frameworks to enhance worldwide health security. The Summit, which convened in Islamabad for two days starting Wednesday, brought together international leaders and health experts to discuss strategies for dealing with global health challenges.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Kakar highlighted the pressing issues of new diseases like the Covid-19 pandemic and climate-induced challenges, such as the historic floods of 2022 in Pakistan. These events have not only impacted citizen’s health but also had significant social and economic repercussions. Kakar stressed the integration of climate resilience into health policies and systems, along with the establishment of international standards for food safety, as critical measures for protecting populations globally.

The Prime Minister’s remarks underlined that no single state could independently tackle these extensive health challenges. He also pointed out that internal issues, such as population growth and rapid urbanization, require a collective approach.

Minister for National Health Services Dr. Nadeem Jan, in his address, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to global health security, highlighting the country’s active role in supporting international health initiatives. Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani emphasized Pakistan’s support for amendments to the International Health Regulations of 2005 and the adoption of a pandemic instrument based on equity principles.

US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome, in his speech, commended Pakistan’s efforts in addressing global health security challenges and stressed the importance of international coordination to combat regional and global health threats. The Head of the Saudi delegation and Minister for Health Dr. Hani Jokhdar echoed the necessity of prioritizing the global health security agenda in public health policy implementation.

The Summit also saw participation from delegates from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye, and Tajikistan, who shared their insights and perspectives on global health security issues.