In a compelling address on Sunday, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar underscored the pressing need for Pakistan to confront its climate challenge, emphasizing that at its core, this challenge is primarily a water challenge. Speaking at the 'Living Indus Initiative' event as part of the United Nations 28th Conference of Parties (COP-28), Kakar highlighted the critical role of adapting the Indus Basin to climate impacts, given its integral connection to the majority of the country's population.
The 'Living Indus' initiative, he explained, serves as an umbrella initiative dedicated to restoring the ecological health of the Indus within Pakistan's borders. Kakar emphasized the government's clear priorities with 'Living Indus,' stemming from extensive consultations with stakeholders. This collaborative effort has resulted in 25 living interventions, focusing on nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation approaches.
"It's crucial that the Living Indus initiative mobilizes a movement to prepare and restore a healthy Indus for today and tomorrow," Kakar emphasized. "The Indus feeds us, and if we do not take care of it, we jeopardize our own well-being."
The ambitious initiative envisions an indicative investment ranging from $11 to $17 billion over the next 15 years. Kakar pointed to the 'Recharge Pakistan' project as the inaugural step in realizing the 'Living Indus' vision. With an international climate finance of nearly $78 million, this flagship project aims to mitigate future flooding and drought impacts, serving as a model for global climate innovation.
Highlighting Pakistan as the 8th most vulnerable country to climate change, Kakar called for collective efforts from various stakeholders. He urged individuals to contribute to the global fight against climate change through articles, sermons, addresses, and poetry.
Later, Kakar congratulated the students of Pakistan’s orphan school KORT Education, winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize at COP-28, expressing pride in their remarkable achievements.
In interviews with Sky News Arabia and Aletihad, Kakar commended the announcement of the $30 billion Loss and Damage Fund as a positive step. He stressed the importance of compensating developing countries like Pakistan, which, despite minimal contributions to carbon emissions, bear the brunt of climate disasters.
Kakar highlighted climate change as a shared global issue, emphasizing that vulnerability does not discriminate based on a nation's size. He urged a focus on resolving the challenge collaboratively, staying vigilant about rapid scientific developments in the climate domain.
Closing with gratitude for the UAE's leadership in hosting the global climate conference, Kakar envisioned a sustainable partnership between Pakistan and the UAE in climate mitigation and beyond. He called for continued collaboration on diverse sectors, leveraging the skills of Pakistan's youth.
In addressing regional concerns, Kakar advocated for a humanitarian corridor amid the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. On Afghan refugees, he emphasized the need for regulation through documentation. Regarding Kashmir, he reiterated Pakistan's desire for peace, calling for reciprocal efforts from India based on Security Council resolutions.
During a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the sidelines of COP-28, Kakar discussed international and regional issues, underscoring the importance of bilateral collaboration and inviting Dutch investment in key sectors in Pakistan.
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