Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has stressed the need for equitable access to vaccines and essential medical countermeasures, timely sharing of pandemic-related data, and a strong, inclusive, and WHO-led multilateral response to future pandemics.

He was addressing the High-Level Meeting on "Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response" during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan's whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, including smart lockdowns, testing, contact tracing, social protection, and the adoption of a multi-sectoral "One Health" approach.

He welcomed the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Treaty and underscored the need for predictable financing, technology transfer, and enhanced scientific, technological, and manufacturing capacities in developing countries.