Pakistan Calls for International Support at COP2024 to Address Climate Crisis

News Desk

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to prepare for the upcoming COP2024, set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November. The meeting underscored Pakistan’s urgent call for international assistance to combat the escalating climate crisis.

Minister Iqbal emphasized Pakistan’s acute vulnerability to climate impacts, highlighting the recent floods that have made the country a critical case study in climate resilience and adaptation.

“Pakistan is not only the worst victim of the climate crisis but also the most resilient. Despite the devastating floods of 2010 and 2022, our nation has demonstrated remarkable perseverance. However, the scale of these challenges exceeds our capacity, necessitating immediate global support,” he stated.

The Minister pointed out that while the catastrophic floods of 2010 resulted in significant fatalities, strategic preparedness measures helped mitigate loss during the 2022 floods.

Although these recent floods were three times more severe, improved preparedness efforts reduced the toll, demonstrating the life-saving impact of resilience planning. “Our success in mitigating human loss indicates that preparedness is essential, but sustained resources and expertise are critical for maintaining this progress,” he added.

In response to the 2022 floods, Pakistan initiated the 4RF (Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework), which aims to strengthen infrastructure, support vulnerable communities, and enhance adaptive capacity across vital sectors.

As Pakistan gears up for COP2024, Prof. Iqbal stressed the importance of mobilizing policy initiatives that foster regional collaboration. He announced plans for a roundtable discussion that will convene climate experts from academia, international specialists, and environmental organizations to explore collaborative solutions to the climate crisis.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including Dr. Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs; Dr. Abid Qayyum Sulehri from the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI); Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination; and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.