New York: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has called for a comprehensive and equitable global response to future pandemics, emphasizing the need for fair access to vaccines, timely data sharing, and a robust multilateral response led by the World Health Organization.
According to Radio Pakistan, Dar made these remarks while addressing the High-Level Meeting on “Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response” during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He highlighted Pakistan’s strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included targeted lockdowns, testing, contact tracing, and a holistic “One Health” approach involving multiple sectors of society.
Dar expressed support for the recently adopted WHO Pandemic Treaty and stressed the importance of ensuring predictable financing, technology transfer, and the enhancement of scientific and manufacturing capabilities, particularly in developing nations. His comments underscored the need for a united global effort to better prepare for and respond to future health crises.