At a high-level UNGA meeting, Ishaq Dar highlights Pakistan's COVID-19 response and calls for fair vaccine access and stronger scientific capacity in developing countries.

RRohaanPublished 26 September 2026 at 00:37 PKT1 min read

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Dar Welcomes Adoption of WHO Pandemic Treaty

Ishaq Dar welcomes the WHO Pandemic Treaty at the UN General Assembly, highlighting Pakistan's COVID-19 response and calling for fair vaccine access.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the adoption of the World Health Organisation's Pandemic Treaty during a high-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Pakistan's COVID-19 Response

Dar outlined Pakistan's whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to the pandemic, saying the response included smart lockdowns, testing, contact tracing, social protection, and a multi-sectoral "One Health" approach.

Key Priorities for the Future

Dar stressed the need for predictable financing, technology transfer, and stronger scientific, technological and manufacturing capacities in developing countries. He also emphasized fair access to vaccines and essential medical countermeasures, timely sharing of pandemic-related data, and a strong, inclusive, WHO-led multilateral response to future pandemics.