Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has made a strong case for urgent global financial reforms and debt relief for developing countries, emphasizing their critical role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the UN, Dar outlined Pakistan’s progress and challenges in its journey toward sustainable and inclusive growth.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda, highlighting several transformative steps the country has taken. “We’ve launched bold reforms to stabilize our economy, support the middle class, and invest in renewable energy,” he said. A central theme in his speech was the urgent need for debt relief and grant-based support, particularly for nations struggling to overcome economic and climate-related crises.
The deputy prime minister pointed out that sustainable development in Pakistan is being driven through initiatives like the Uraan Pakistan programme—designed to fuel national progress—and Danish Schools, which aim to provide quality education to underprivileged children verified through NADRA.
To combat rising climate challenges, Pakistan is pushing forward with green initiatives such as Recharge Pakistan and Living Indus, which focus on building climate resilience and preserving natural resources. “We’re aiming for 60% of our energy to come from renewable sources by 2030,” Dar said, reinforcing the country’s vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
He also underlined the importance of empowering youth through digital platforms like the Digital Youth Hub, and stressed the role of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in uplifting vulnerable communities, ensuring that “no one is left behind.”
Dar highlighted macroeconomic reforms that are making Pakistan a more attractive destination for foreign investment. He praised the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in opening up key sectors to global investors, reinforcing the narrative that sustainable development in Pakistan hinges on both domestic reform and international support.
Calling for a fundamental overhaul of the global financial system, Dar stated that “the current structure does not cater to the realities of today’s world.” He urged the international community to use the 80th anniversary of the United Nations as a chance to strengthen the organization and ensure it remains responsive to global challenges.
