NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Monday reiterated that the people of Pakistan had great affinity for their Muslim brethren in the Middle East and would support all constructive endeavours aimed at fostering peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Dar participated in consultations hosted by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in New York. Other participants included the deputy prime ministers of Jordan and UAE, and foreign ministers of Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release.
The ministers exchanged views and coordinated positions for unified approach on some of the key issues at the UN General Assembly Session. The DPM/FM Dar underscored the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that existed between Pakistan and Islamic countries.
Meanwhile, DPM Dar addressed the high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly on the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in New York.
In his remarks, he recalled the historic pledges made in Beijing 30 years ago and emphasised that today’s commemoration was a call to renew those commitments with bold, measurable actions. He underscored that for Pakistan, the empowerment of women has been a guiding principle under the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who proclaimed that no nation can rise to glory without women standing shoulder to shoulder with men, said the Foreign Ministry.
Highlighting Pakistan’s achievements, the DPM/FM noted that women hold leadership roles across politics, judiciary, civil service, law enforcement and the armed forces of Pakistan. Holding the distinction of electing the first female prime minister in the Muslim world, Pakistan also recently witnessed the election of the first woman chief minister of Punjab.
He also drew attention to Pakistan’s institutional and legislative measures, including National and Provincial Commissions on the Status of Women, gender-based violence courts, women police stations, and progressive laws to safeguard women from violence, harassment, and discrimination. Social protection programmes, such as the Benazir Income Support Programme and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, are helping women overcome poverty, access finance, and seize entrepreneurial opportunities.
While recognising progress, the DPM stressed that global and national efforts remain uneven. He called for accelerated transformation under the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, urging scaled-up financing through national budgets, international cooperation, and innovative partnerships to ensure that commitments translate into meaningful change.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast dedication, he declared that the Beijing Declaration remains the boldest global compact for women’s rights. He urged the international community to act with urgency, courage and solidarity to ensure that every woman and girl lives free from poverty and violence and is empowered to contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.
DPM Dar also participated in the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters. The gathering was organised on the sidelines of the 80th UNGA session.
In his remarks, the DPM/FM reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Commonwealth and commitment to playing its part in strengthening this unique family of nations. He welcomed efforts to re-orient the organisation for responding effectively to the evolving global context, ensuring its continued ability to deliver tangible benefits to all its members.
Recalling the multiple and overlapping crises confronted by the international community, the DPM/FM underscored that the Commonwealth must continue to serve as a platform for peace-building and dialogue, where consensus and cooperation can help resolve disputes and promote understanding. He strongly supported the Commonwealth’s work on climate action and called for sustained focus on helping member states build climate resilience.
The DPM/FM commended the Commonwealth’s unique role in bringing together 56 diverse members for the advancement of youth empowerment, digital transformation and enhancement of trade and entrepreneurship. “Pakistan was proud to lead on the Commonwealth youth agenda, ensuring that our young people are empowered to shape a more prosperous and peaceful future. Pakistan would also remain at the forefront of advancing the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda by championing initiatives that strengthen digital, physical, regulatory and supply chain links across the Commonwealth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for New York from London to participate in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as other ministers and senior government officials, he will lead Pakistan’s delegation to the high-level segment of the UNGA.
During his visit, the prime minister is scheduled to address the 80th session of the UNGA. On the sidelines of the session, he is also expected to hold meetings with several world leaders. In a statement issued earlier, the Foreign Office had mentioned that PM Shehbaz will participate in a meeting of “select” Muslim leaders with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UNGA session.
“The prime minister will also participate in a meeting of select Islamic leaders with US President Trump to exchange views on issues pertaining to regional and international peace and security,” the FO said.
At UNGA, PM Shehbaz will urge the international community to resolve the situations of prolonged occupation and denial of the right to self-determination from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine.
“He will draw the attention of the international community towards the grave crisis in Gaza, and call for decisive action to end the suffering of the Palestinians,” the FO statement read. The statement said that PM would also highlight Pakistan’s perspective on the regional security situation, as well as other issues of international concern, including climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development.
The premier will further attend several high-level events on the sidelines of the UNGA session, including important meetings of the UN Security Council, a high-level meeting of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and a Special High-Level Event on Climate Action, among others, it added.
During the visit, the prime minister will have bilateral meetings on the sidelines with several world leaders and senior UN officials for an exchange of views on issues of mutual interest. “He will also underline Pakistan’s resolve to work with all UN member states to uphold the UN charter, prevent conflict, foster peace and promote global prosperity in Pakistan’s current role as a member of the Security Council.
“The prime minister’s participation in this biggest annual gathering of global leaders will showcase Pakistan’s strong commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations and to highlight Pakistan’s longstanding contribution towards the shared objectives of peace and development,” it was further added.