ASTANA, Kazakhstan: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan needs immediate help to rehabilitate its 33 million climate refugees affected by the recent devastating rains and floods.
In his address at the 6th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Astana on Thursday, he said that Pakistan is living through a colossal climate induced climate.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressing the 6th CICA Summit 2022 in Astana, Kazakhstan. 13th October, 2022.#PakPMatCICA #CICASummit2022 pic.twitter.com/MSPqm5sNkU
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) October 13, 2022
The prime minister said that unprecedented rains and flooding that have submerged one third of Pakistan are without any doubt the consequence of global warming and climate change. He said that according to initial estimates, the calamity has caused a loss to the tune of over US$ 30 billion.
Shahbaz Sharif said that the government has marshalled all the resources at its disposal for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation.
The prime minister said that though Pakistan is responsible for less than one percent of global carbon emissions yet we are amongst the 10 top Countries most severely impacted by climate change.
Expressing his gratitude to the countries who extended support to flood affected people, the prime minister said Pakistan looks forward to their continued support as the Country transitions to the more daunting phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation.
The prime minister said that Pakistan is determined to emerge stronger from these floods in a short period of time.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in a group photo with leaders of the participating countries in 6th CICA Summit, Astana, Kazakhstan. 13th October, 2022.#PakPMatCICA #CICA2022 pic.twitter.com/zrgqteVwiN
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) October 13, 2022
Talking about the regional situation, he said that Afghanistan is source of concern for regional peace and it needs global attention.
Shahbaz Sharif also said that Indian brutalities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) must be stopped and the world must play its role in this regard. He said that India is a threat to regional peace, minorities and neighbors.
The prime minister said that Indian hegemony designs in the region are causing poverty as all neighbors have to keep update on security issues.
“We need to resolve conflicts particularly Kashmir issue for bringing lasting peace in the region,” he said.
Furthermore, he said that in the Middle East, Palestine issue must be resolved for peace and protecting humanity that is bleeding there. “Global justice is needed for peace,” he emphasized.
