NEW YORK: Speaking on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored Pakistan’s dual commitment to climate resilience and regional diplomacy. In his interactions with world leaders and during a high-level climate dialogue, Sharif called for urgent global action on climate financing and reaffirmed Islamabad’s intent to deepen ties with Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Sharif held a productive meeting with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh. Describing the dialogue as “very positive,” Sharif noted that bilateral relations are witnessing consistent improvement. He emphasized the need to translate goodwill into concrete progress by enhancing trade and diplomatic engagement.
The Bangladeshi side, led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Yunus, reportedly shared similar enthusiasm for strengthening ties. Sharif expressed optimism, stating Pakistan is committed to taking the friendship “much further” in the coming months.
Shehbaz Sharif also acknowledged a joint declaration issued by Muslim leaders following a meeting with former US President Donald Trump. While details of the agreement remain under wraps, the premier confirmed that follow-up discussions are planned and that he will brief the press after his own meeting with Trump.
Responding to media queries, the Prime Minister hailed what he termed a “decisive success” in Pakistan’s recent geopolitical standoff with India. “The world witnessed our armed forces shatter India’s arrogance with unmatched courage and professionalism,” Sharif said.
He particularly credited Field Marshal Asim Munir’s leadership and commended the air force for its precision and readiness. “This was not just a battle—it was a demonstration of how wars are truly fought,” he added.
At a special climate summit convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazil’s president ahead of COP30, Prime Minister Sharif made a passionate appeal to the international community. He urged developed nations to honour their climate finance pledges instead of burdening vulnerable countries with additional debt.
“Countries like Pakistan, already reeling from climate-induced disasters, cannot rebuild their economies by sinking further into loans,” Sharif said. He reminded global leaders that Pakistan, though responsible for less than 1% of global emissions, is among the most climate-impacted nations.
Sharif reflected on the lingering impacts of the catastrophic 2022 floods, which inflicted damage worth over $30 billion and displaced millions. In 2025 alone, more than five million citizens have been affected by monsoon-induced disasters, including flash floods and cloudbursts. Over 4,000 villages have been destroyed and more than 1,000 lives lost this year, he noted.
Despite these challenges, the Prime Minister pointed to tangible progress. Pakistan has already met its 2021 commitment to reduce emissions by 15% unconditionally by 2030.
Pakistan’s energy transformation is underway, Sharif highlighted, with renewable sources now contributing over 32% of the national power mix and solar capacity expanding sevenfold since 2021. Mangrove restoration efforts have covered 23,000 hectares to date.
Looking ahead, the government aims to:
Raise the share of renewables and hydropower to 62% by 2035
Add 1,200MW of nuclear energy capacity by 2030
Convert 30% of the transport sector to clean fuels and install 3,000 EV charging stations
Implement smart agriculture and water-saving techniques
Plant one billion trees as part of a national reforestation drive
However, Sharif admitted that a lack of international funding is hindering the full implementation of Pakistan’s National Environmental Plan.
Addressing the same forum, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated the urgency of the climate crisis, stating that the 1.5°C target is still achievable but only with immediate and bold action.
He stressed that clean energy offers a pathway to sustainable growth and employment, particularly in developing nations. Guterres emphasized the unfair burden placed on countries like Pakistan and urged creditors and global institutions to introduce new financing tools, including debt relief, to support their climate resilience.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s engagements at the UN reflect Pakistan’s dual focus on securing climate justice and fostering regional diplomacy. As Pakistan continues its recovery from climate catastrophes, it is also seeking to reshape its international relationships and energy future with clear expectations for global support.
