Developing states need more grants, debt relief: Dar

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Senator Ishaq Dar on Monday urged that developing countries needed scaled up access to concessional and grant-based resources, meaningful debt relief, and scaled-up climate finance in order to bridge the SDG Financing Gap.

“The Compromiso de Seville, adopted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, offers a clear roadmap. Its implementation must begin without delay,” he stressed in a statement at the General Debate of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) Ministerial Segment at the United Nations in New York,

He said that Pakistan remained fully committed to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and had undertaken different initiatives to financially protect people and enhance educational opportunities.

the DPM said, “With just five years remaining to 2030, only 35 percent of the SDGs are on track. The compounding effects of the pandemic, food, fuel and finance crises, as well as intensifying climate impacts, have reversed the hard-won development gains and deepened inequalities.

“Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains fully committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda. Our national development strategies, such as ‘Uraan Pakistan’ (Take-Off Pakistan), are aligned with the SDGs,” he noted.

Dar said, “Our social protection initiatives, including the Benazir Income Support Programme and Benazir Nashonuma (Child Growth programmes), are designed to ensure no-one is left behind.

“To harness the potential of our youth, we have launched the Digital Youth Hub and are expanding access to quality education through Danish Schools and new university campuses. “We are scaling up climate action, targeting 60 percent renewable energy by 2030, and enhancing resilience through initiatives such as Recharge Pakistan and the Living Indus. Our revised nationally determined contribution is nearing finalization.

“We have also undertaken key macroeconomic reforms to stabilise our fiscal outlook and make the investment climate even more attractive. The Special Investment Facilitation Council is channelling direct foreign investment in priority sectors.

“While national efforts are essential, these cannot succeed in isolation,” DMP Dar said, and called for deep reform of the international financial architecture, critical for implementing the SDGs.

The DPM said, “As we commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations, the Secretary General’s UN80 initiative offers an opportunity for a critical re-think to strengthen the three pillars of the United Nations and renew our commitment towards timely achievement of the SDGs.”

Meanwhile, the DPM met UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, at the United Nations Headquaters. During the meeting, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering and resolute commitment to multilateralism and the central role of the UN in addressing the most pressing global challenges. He reassured the secretary general of Pakistan’s focus on strengthening the UN’s role in conflict resolution, in promoting sustainable development, and in upholding the fundamental rights of all peoples around the world.

Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s strong role and principled positions in the Security Council. Several key issues on the Council’s agenda were discussed, including the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and the situation in Iran.

The DPM underscored that Pakistan is fully committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, especially the need to advance peace through dialogue and diplomacy. He further stated that the high-level debate on multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes and the meeting on UN-OIC cooperation, under Pakistan’s Presidency of the UN Security Council for the current month, reflects on Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and the promotion of peace.

Dar emphasised issues of critical national and regional importance to Pakistan, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and externally sponsored terrorism in Pakistan. He stressed the imperative of a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council. The DPM/FM lauded the secretary-general’s leadership and sincere efforts for de-escalation of recent tensions between Pakistan and India.

He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestinian statehood, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and firm opposition to Israel’s annexation plans in the West Bank.

They also discussed the upcoming High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, being held in New York next week, and exchanged views on the need to decide meaningful outcomes at that Conference.

The DPM emphasised that the Secretary-General’s “UN80” initiative offered a critical opportunity to strengthen the three pillars of the United Nations to promote international peace and security, sustainable development and human rights worldwide.

He also briefed the UN secretary-general on the steps being taken by Pakistan to promote regional connectivity and spur economic growth.

Dar also held a meeting with UN General Assembly President Philémon Yang, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and the leading role of the UN in international affairs. He called for strengthening global governance and reforming the UN in a manner that meets the expectations of the entire international community.

They exchanged views on issues including the situation in the Middle East, developments in Iran, Afghanistan, and promotion of sustainable development.

The DPM called for urgent international attention to India’s actions, including its illegal measures in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and its support of terrorism against Pakistan through its proxies. He further underscored the need for a peaceful resolution of all disputes between Pakistan and India through dialogue, in accordance with international law, the UNSC resolutions and the UN Charter.

The UNGA president reaffirmed his commitment to advancing peace, development and inclusivity within the framework of the General Assembly. He outlined his vision for promoting effective multilateralism and centrality of the United Nations to serve all humanity.

Earlier, the DPM arrived in New York on an official visit from July 21 to 28, 2025.On his arrival, he was received by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh.

During the visit, Dar would lead high-level signature events under Pakistan’s Presidency of the UN Security Council, hold bilateral and multilateral meetings in New York and Washington DC. He is also scheduled to represent Pakistan at the International Conference on the Two-State Solution, co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France.