ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged greater grant-based climate financing, public-private partnerships and expanded resilience and adaptation funds to help vulnerable economies cope with climate disasters without deepening their debt.
Addressing the COP31 Summit in Antalya, Turkiye, he said climate change knows no borders and demands collective action.
Recalling the devastation of Pakistan’s 2022 floods, he thanked Türkiye’s leadership and people for supporting the country during the 2010 and 2022 disasters.
Highlighting Pakistan’s climate efforts, Sharif said clean sources now account for nearly 55 percent of its energy mix. The country is also advancing electric mobility and aims to cut projected emissions by about 50 percent by 2035.
He stressed that national efforts cannot replace a fair global response, noting that those least responsible for climate change suffer its worst consequences.
On Wednesday, Sharif also met Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on the summit’s sidelines. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, Senator Sherry Rehman and senior officials from both countries attended.
The leaders reaffirmed Pakistan and Iran’s longstanding ties, pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation and discussed regional developments.
