Climate induced disaster is a joint responsibility of the world with Pakistan: Secretary Planning

Dated : 29 September 2022

Climate induced disaster is a joint responsibility of the world with Pakistan: Secretary Planning

Deputy Head of Unit, South and South East Asia European Commission, Brussels Mr. Ian Hoskins called on Secretary Planning and Development Syed Zafar Ali Shah

In the meeting , matters pertaining to European Union’s efforts for rehabiltation of Flood affectees and for contribution of future reconstruction of infrastructure deeply damged due to torrential rainfall and the consequent floods.

The Secretary highlighted chalking out the future line of action for joint efforts that Government of Pakistan will lead the relief efforts while the experts from international development partners will provide technical expertise to assess the damages and reconstruction cost. Thirty three Million people have been affected due to flood devastations while the floods wreaked havoc with the total 113 districts across Pakistan . However, 84 districts of these are declared calamity hit districts that require major reconstruction and rehabilitation work; Secretary add.

The Planning and Development Secretary undescored that Climate induced disaster is a joint responsibility of the world with us and it implies that Pakistan undertakes reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure with the cooperation of the world and international development partners. Pakistan responsibility in affecting the Climatic Changes is minimal. He further added that Pakistan is the seventh most vulnerable countries that are impacted by the volatile weather pattern due to climate change.

Overall, 30-32 billion dollars of economic loss and reconstruction will be required so that we build the future infrastructure more climate resilient.

Moreover , the Secretary commended the the European Union's role in assisting Pakistan in this hour of need.

Mr. Ian Hoskins stated that they will extend full cooperation for Pakistan in accessing green funds and also take this message of Pakistan to the EU head quarters.