Pakistan's initiative is climate justice, not charity, it is welcome for developed countries to accept the challenge of climate change, PM Shehbaz Sharif

Islamabad. December 1 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan effectively highlighted the agenda of loss and damage caused by disasters in the Sharm-ul-Sheikh conference, which resulted in the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund. I came, this is a historic initiative, Pakistan's case is climate justice and not charity, it is welcome to accept the challenge of climate change on the part of developed countries, so it will be necessary to implement the commitments made in this regard.

He was addressing a function held here on Thursday to appreciate the efforts of relevant institutions and international partners on Pakistan's successful climate diplomacy during the COP27 conference in Sharm el-Sheikh. Floods have caused a lot of damage, 33 million people have been affected, 1800 deaths have occurred, while the damage to agriculture, industry, livestock, and infrastructure has been estimated at 30 billion dollars.

He said that he is grateful to all the countries that helped the flood victims of Pakistan, the help provided in this hour of difficulty will always be remembered. The Prime Minister said that philanthropists and welfare organizations within Pakistan have generously helped the victims, similarly, all the provincial governments, especially the governments of Sindh and Balochistan, have given full support to the victims.

He also appreciated the efforts of National Disaster Management Authority and Provincial Disaster Management Institutions. He said that Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto, Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman and Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb played an active role in highlighting Pakistan's position at the COP27 World Forum. He said that the rains caused by climate change caused enormous destruction in Pakistan, although Pakistan's share in the emissions of gases that cause climate change is less than one percent, we wish and pray that what happened in Pakistan would not happen in any other country. However, it is a bitter truth that the effects of climate change and the resulting disasters are not limited to borders.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that it was the first time that Pakistan's voice was heard at the global level and thanks to these efforts, the Loss and Damage Fund was established. . He said that Pakistan's case is climate justice and not charity.

He said that it is gratifying that the developed world has recognized the importance of the challenge of climate change and the wonderful agreement reached in Sharm el-Sheikh, which resulted in the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund, to implement the agreements. Implementation will be more important. On this occasion, the Prime Minister praised the efforts of the relevant ministries and authorities for the successful diplomacy in the Sharm El-Sheikh Conference. Speaking at the event earlier, Federal Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman said that thanks to all the stakeholders for the successful diplomacy in COP 27. All this has been possible under the leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister. He said that due to the recent rains and floods, severe damage has been caused to Pakistan, the countries suffering from the effects of climate change want cooperation from the developed countries.

He said that Pakistan has played a key role in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund, the Loss and Damage Agenda was under discussion for 30 years, which has now been completed. He said that there is a need for funds to meet the needs of flood victims as well as rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Federal Minister Sherry Rehman said that the coming time is decisive with regard to climate change, the whole world needs to work together to deal with the effects of climate change. He said that the Loss and Damage Fund should be put on the agenda. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto played a leadership role for the Loss and Damage Fund, which will help developing countries to compensate for the damages caused by the effects of climate change. The Federal Minister also praised the role of the Secretary General of the United Nations for the purpose of climate justice.

On this occasion, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar said that COP 27 was a historic conference in which the Loss and Damage Fund, which had been stalled for three years, was established. The establishment of the fund will prove to help in bridging the trade deficit between the global North and South.

He said that Pakistan's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister participated fully in COP-27 and played an important role. The Prime Minister effectively highlighted the disaster of floods in Pakistan in the conference. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister played an important role in the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund. He met with the leaders of the countries, he was in constant contact with G77 and China, we have achieved these goals through political coordination and teamwork.

He said that the unity between the developing countries is very important, the establishment of the fund and the formation of the committee in this regard are the beginning of achieving the big goal. Practical measures in this regard will be welcome. A large number of diplomats were present. On this occasion, the participants were shown a documentary by the Ministry of Climate Change related to the disasters caused by floods in Pakistan, relief activities, the visits of the Prime Minister, the Secretary General of the United Nations and the federal cabinet to the flood affected areas.

The news is published by EMEA Tribune & Associated Press of Pakistan