Pakistan has called upon the global community to increase climate funding and bolster regional collaboration for climate resilience. This appeal was made during the 21st Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Conference on Environment and Development (APPCED) in Seoul, themed ‘Together, for Climate Resilience.’
Senator Kamran Murtaza represented the Senate of Pakistan, delivering the nation’s statement and report on behalf of the Senate Chairman. He cautioned about Pakistan’s escalating susceptibility to climate change, referencing recent floods, severe weather occurrences, and their disastrous impact on lives, infrastructure and means of support.
Demanding climate justice and increased global assistance, Murtaza emphasized the necessity for accessible, grant-based funding systems to aid at-risk countries. He showcased Pakistan’s climate policy structure, including the Pakistan Climate Change Act, the National Adaptation Plan, and the solar-powered Parliament House, a global first.
Murtaza also highlighted projects like the Recharge Pakistan Program and the Living Indus Initiative, along with policies on green bonds (Sukuk), electric vehicles, clean air, glacier preservation, and eco-friendly building regulations. He introduced the National Economic Transformation Plan 2024-29, integrating climate resilience across various sectors, including exports, digitalization, social equity, environment, and energy.
In his closing remarks, the senator urged Asia-Pacific parliamentarians to harmonize legislation, budgets, and accountability frameworks with climate objectives. He stressed that legislative guidance and regional alliances are crucial for a secure future. He affirmed Pakistan’s readiness to cooperate for a climate-resilient Asia-Pacific and reiterated the country’s commitment to APPCED’s objectives.