Summary Ishaq Dar meets Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, discussing youth, climate resilience, disaster management, trade and Middle East peace efforts.
LONDON (Haseeb Arslan) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey at Marlborough House in London on Wednesday, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth and its efforts to strengthen the organisation.
During the meeting, Dar expressed Pakistan’s support for Botchwey’s vision and highlighted the country’s commitment to the Commonwealth’s youth, climate resilience and economic development agendas. He also stressed the importance of promoting intra-Commonwealth trade through institutionalised cooperation in the banking sector.
Highlighting Pakistan’s expertise in climate mitigation and disaster management, the deputy prime minister said Commonwealth member states could benefit from the country’s experience. He renewed Pakistan’s offer to host the Commonwealth Disaster Resilience Hub at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Islamabad.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, met with Commonwealth Secretary-General @SGCommonWealth Shirley Botchwey at Marlborough House in London today.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 26, 2026
Reaffirming Pakistan’s strong commitment to the Commonwealth as a founding member,… pic.twitter.com/KL7hv9MyrF
Botchwey welcomed the offer and expressed the Commonwealth Secretariat’s interest in working with Pakistan to enhance disaster preparedness capabilities among member states.
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation on youth development and expand youth-related activities across the Commonwealth under Pakistan’s co-chairmanship of the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CYMM), with the aim of creating greater opportunities and benefits for young people.
Dar also briefed the Commonwealth secretary-general on recent developments in the Middle East, including Pakistan’s role in brokering peace between the United States and Iran.
Botchwey congratulated Pakistan and Dar on his efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran, thanking him for helping avert a destructive conflict and contributing to peace and stability in the region.
