Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar underscored Pakistan’s commitment to peace, environmental resilience, youth empowerment and digital cooperation during the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (CFAMM), held at the United Nations Headquarters on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session.
In his remarks, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s strong support for the Commonwealth and its role as a unique forum connecting 56 diverse nations. He urged the body to act more proactively in addressing multiple crises facing the world today through dialogue and cooperation.
Acknowledging the Commonwealth’s climate-related initiatives, the Foreign Minister stressed the importance of building environmental resilience across member states. He highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and called for stronger collective action to safeguard communities and ecosystems.
Youth empowerment, digital transformation
Dar praised the Commonwealth’s efforts in promoting youth empowerment, digital transformation, trade and entrepreneurship. He noted that Pakistan is proud to play a leading role in the youth agenda, preparing the next generation for a peaceful and prosperous future.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the Commonwealth’s “Connectivity Agenda,” pledging to strengthen digital, physical, regulatory and supply chain linkages among member countries.
Gender equality, women’s role in development
Speaking at the conference, Dar emphasized that Pakistan believes in gender equality and is committed to empowering women across all fields.
He pointed out that women in Pakistan are active in politics, the judiciary, armed forces, police and bureaucracy. The country has made history by electing Benazir Bhutto as the first female prime minister in the Muslim world and, more recently, Maryam Nawaz as Punjab’s first woman chief minister.
Reserved seats in legislatures, representation in local bodies, and initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme were cited as key steps toward women’s empowerment. Dar stressed that more investment in industrial equality and vocational training is needed to accelerate women’s role in national development.
Dar concluded by affirming that Pakistan will continue to champion peace, gender equality, and youth empowerment within the Commonwealth. He urged collective action against poverty and called for closer cooperation to build a future based on inclusivity and resilience.
