Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, met with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey at Marlborough House in London on Tuesday.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth as a founding member and discussing cooperation across youth, climate, and trade agendas.
Dar underscored Pakistan’s support for Botchwey’s vision and efforts to strengthen the Commonwealth, reiterating the country’s commitment to the organization’s youth, climate resilience, and economic development agendas, as well as to promoting intra-Commonwealth trade through institutionalized banking sector cooperation.
Citing Pakistan’s expertise in climate mitigation and disaster management, Dar said Commonwealth member states could benefit from the country’s experience in these areas and renewed Pakistan’s offer to host the Commonwealth Disaster Management Authority 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.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s strong commitment to the Commonwealth as a founding member,… pic.twitter.com/KL7hv9MyrF
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 26, 2026
Botchwey welcomed the offer and noted the Secretariat’s keen interest in working with Pakistan to strengthen disaster preparedness capabilities across Commonwealth member states.
Both leaders agreed to further strengthen cooperation and enhance youth-related activities across the Commonwealth under Pakistan’s co-chairmanship of the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CYMM), with a view to ensuring greater benefits and opportunities for young people.
Dar also briefed Botchwey on recent developments in the Middle East, including Pakistan’s role in brokering peace between the United States and Iran.
Botchwey congratulated Dar for his efforts and mediation, thanking him for helping avert a destructive war and for contributing to peace and stability in the region.
The meeting came during Dar’s official visit to the United Kingdom from August 24 to 28, which also included meetings with British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, FCDO Minister of State for Pakistan Stephen Doughty, and International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, alongside engagements with British parliamentarians and the British-Pakistani community.
