PM Shehbaz urges developed nations to support debt-strapped countries

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed the need for assistance from developed nations for countries trapped in debt caused by climate change.

Speaking at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Moment 2024 meeting before the 79th General Assembly Session, he highlighted the devastating impacts of climate change on Pakistan.

The premier recalled the catastrophic flood that had faced Pakistan in 2022, submerging thousands of households, livestock, and ready-to-cut crops, “which was not our fault.”

“We contribute barely a fraction of a percent to global carbon emissions,” he added.

PM Shehbaz sees financial assistance from the developed nations as the only way to turn underdeveloped countries from the problems that emerged from climate change.

The PM said the wealthy nations were the primary contributors to carbon emissions, and “they should bear the responsibility to assist developing countries. 

“This is crucial, or else this unbalanced and unjust system will lead nowhere."

He added Pakistan’s example that had bore the loss of $30 billion in flood 2022 and the country still required funds to turn from deadly debt.

He recalled the war against terrorism occurred after 9/11 which gave a $150 billion loss to Pakistan and took 80,000 lives.

“We have finally managed to defeat the terrorists, but at great cost."