Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposed a low-emission corridor Friday at the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and said member states are facing far-reaching effects of climate change.
Sharif said climate change challenges threaten the food security and livelihoods of millions of people.
"Pakistan proposes the development of low-emission corridors and ECO-wide carbon market platform and regional disaster resilience systems, a dedicated framework to mobilize climate finance, along with regional green energy corridors and eco-tourism initiatives, (which) can further drive inclusive sustainable growth, creating green jobs, especially for youth and women and supporting livelihoods," he told attendees in Khankendi, Azerbaijan,
The Pakistani premier highlighted his country’s challenges and said Pakistan remains among the top 10 countries that are most vulnerable to climate change.
"(In 2022) over 33 million people were affected across Pakistan with loss of life, huge damage to livelihoods and critical infrastructure, badly damaged -- flash floods continue to wreak heart-breaking devastation in Pakistan,” he said.
Massive floods inundated one-third of the country that year, killing 1,700 people and causing a whopping $30 billion in economic losses to its already struggling economy.
Sharif also condemned Israeli attacks on Iran and said his country expressed full solidarity with Tehran against Israeli "aggression."
He condemned Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip and said Tel Aviv is targeting innocent Palestinians, humanitarian workers, UN personnel with impunity to deliberately cut off the only lifeline of the helpless and starving people of Gaza.
While talking about the recent tension between Pakistan and India, he thanked ECO member states for their support and solidarity with Islamabad.
On India’s move to hold the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, Sharif accused New Delhi of the weaponization of water and said Indian actions are "completely unacceptable."
"Waters are the lifeline of Pakistan's 240 million people. Under no circumstances is India permitted to pursue this dangerous path that will amount to an act of aggression against the people of Pakistan," he said.
There has been no comment from India on Sharif’s remarks.
Sharif also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and lauded Iran's decision to reach a ceasefire during the recent crisis with Israel. Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its strong diplomatic support.
