Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar emphasized the urgency of activating the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ for nations severely affected by climate-related disasters. He stressed the fund’s fair utilization to tackle climate change issues effectively.
He advocated for delinking the fund’s use from development funds and loans provided by multilateral financial bodies. Kakar emphasized the need for additional and practical funding.Attending the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP28 in Dubai, Pakistan’s focus remained on transitioning from coal-based power plants to renewable energy initiatives. This move aimed to reduce climate impacts locally and globally, Kakar stated.Highlighting the potential of this shift to attract interest from nations like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Western economies, Kakar identified it as a collective opportunity.Kakar emphasized that climate change is no longer just a trendy topic but a harsh reality experienced by Pakistan last year. He underscored that Pakistan, particularly its provinces Sindh and Balochistan, faced unprecedented devastation due to climate-related events.Regarding accountability for the climate crisis, Kakar mentioned the historical contributions made by specific nations and economies. He advocated for honest discussions rather than passing judgment on countries’ roles in climate change. He suggested that proactive actions by wealthy nations would be a positive move.When asked about the operationalization of the fund through a United Nations framework, the prime minister expressed concerns about the time it would take. He proposed the initial activation of the fund through entities like the World Bank and other multilateral institutions to expedite the process.
