Pakistan proposes low-emissions corridor at ECO summit

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday proposed creating a low-emissions corridor and regional climate initiatives under the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), warning that climate change is severely affecting food security and livelihoods across the region.

Speaking at the 17th ECO summit in Khankendi on the 3-4 July, Sharif said member states face growing climate risks and called for joint efforts to build resilience.

“Pakistan proposes the development of low-emission corridors, a regional carbon market platform, disaster response systems, and green energy and eco-tourism projects,” Sharif said. He noted these steps could create green jobs, especially for women and youth.

He reminded attendees that Pakistan remains among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries and recalled the 2022 floods that killed 1,700 people and caused $30 billion in economic losses.

“Flash floods continue to cause heart-breaking devastation,” he added.

On ties with India, Sharif criticised New Delhi’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it “an act of aggression” and warning that water is the lifeline for Pakistan’s 240 million people.

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