Ahsan highlights donors' climate resilience paradox

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Monday highlighted a paradox in the approach of Pakistan's development partners regarding the country's climate change resilience following the unprecedented floods two years ago.

Chairing the fourth meeting of the Policy and Strategy Committee (PSC) and the Oversight Board on Post-Flood Reconstruction Activities, Iqbal directed all relevant ministries to identify and address the gaps and obstacles hindering flood-resilient projects.

He highlighted a paradox in the approach taken by the development partners regarding resilience and adaptation.

Iqbal said that the 4RF outlines four key objectives: enhancing governance and institutional capacity to restore lives and livelihoods, reviving economic opportunities, ensuring social inclusion, and restoring and improving basic services and physical infrastructure in a resilient and sustainable manner.

Iqbal stated that the 2022 floods resulted in a total loss of $30 billion for Pakistan. While the estimated need for recovery was $16.2 billion, and the "pledges made" so far amounted to $10.9 billion, leaving a shortfall of $17.1 billion.

The minister underscored the urgency of addressing climate change impacts.