PM urges world to create ‘charter for Earth survival’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the international community on Monday to come together to create a common charter for the survival of the planet, as he welcomed the commitment of the international community, especially the Islamic world, to the goals and objectives of the Egypt climate talks.

Shehbaz became the centre of attention at the platform of the Conference of Parties (COP27) as he robustly campaigned for the world’s action to address Pakistan’s climate change challenges, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad.

On the sidelines of the mega climate change summit, the heads of state and government in their interaction with Shehbaz termed his passion as “extraordinary”, featuring efforts for urgent steps to save the country from the natural disaster, the statement added.

At the Egyptian holiday resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, several world leaders, including United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, European Union Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and others.

In his meeting with Al Nahyan, Shehbaz thanked the UAE leadership and people for their generous assistance to the flood victims in Pakistan. He termed the commitment of COP27 as a good omen to combat the effects of climate change. “Dealing with the effects of climate change is not for developing countries alone.”

Read PM Shehbaz calls for 'vow to succeed at all costs' at COP27

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz told International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva that the Covid-19 pandemic, global recession and the recent flash floods had affected Pakistan's economic recovery, yet his government was committed to complete the latest IMF programme.

“We have changed our budget estimates for immediate support and rehabilitation of flood victims,” Shehbaz said, adding that rehabilitation of flood-affected people was the topmost priority of his government. He hoped that the COP27 summit would be a milestone in achieving climate justice.

He said bilateral partnership between the EU and Pakistan has been an important means of achieving common interests in the past and we are eager to expand this cooperation further in future. He appreciated the EU support for removal of Pakistan from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

The European leaders extended their condolences of the loss of life in devastating floods in Pakistan. Shehbaz apprised them of devastating effects of the climate-induced calamity, and stressed that climate change warranted unity of all countries across the world.

In meeting with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Shehbaz discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest. They agreed to strong cooperation to prevent the devastating effects of climate change. The prime minister appreciated the Arab League Charter and secretary general's determination to achieve it.

The prime minister also held separate meetings with President Abdul Latif Rashid of Iraq, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin of Indonesia and Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon. The prime minister thanked the international community for helping the Pakistani flood victims.