Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar welcomed Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, marking her first official act in a five-day visit to Pakistan.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Dar underscored Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth and its charter, discussing various bilateral issues including climate resilience and disaster preparedness. This meeting follows significant Commonwealth support for Pakistan, particularly after the devastating 2022 floods, which prompted the appointment of a dedicated Climate Finance Advisor to aid Pakistan.

The discussions also covered topics such as women’s empowerment and youth engagement through educational and training initiatives, key areas for Pakistan’s development strategy. Furthermore, the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) was a significant point of agenda, with both sides looking forward to productive discussions at the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting preceding the CHOGM.

Deputy Prime Minister Dar expressed appreciation for the Commonwealth’s enduring support in enhancing Pakistan’s economic development, democratic processes, and legal frameworks, affirming the importance of the Commonwealth as a crucial platform for addressing global and regional issues.