Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged global governments to enhance climate financing and facilitate technology sharing to address environmental challenges effectively.
He encouraged private investors to explore Pakistan’s growing opportunities in clean energy and infrastructure, while speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. He emphasized that multilateral institutions must support developing nations like Pakistan in achieving sustainable economic growth. While Pakistan remains dedicated to mobilizing domestic resources and implementing policy reforms, he stressed that international partnerships and financial assistance are essential for transitioning to a green economy. He highlighted that Pakistan’s energy transition alone requires an investment of $100 billion. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to achieving a 60% clean energy mix by 2030 and ensuring that 30% of all vehicles are electric.
The prime minister outlined Pakistan’s rapid expansion in renewable energy, including solar, wind, hydropower, and nuclear energy. He noted that the southern region has an untapped wind energy potential of 50,000 megawatts, while hydropower projects in the north are expected to contribute an additional 13,000 megawatts of clean energy. He also mentioned that the government is accelerating solar energy adoption by introducing policy reforms, tax exemptions, investment incentives, net metering, and eliminating customs duties on solar panels and related equipment.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s strategic advantages, describing it as one of Asia’s most dynamic investment destinations, with 70% of its population under 30 being young and tech-savvy. He emphasized Pakistan’s role as a bridge between South and Central Asia and pointed out the country’s growing middle class, which presents significant economic opportunities. To attract foreign capital, he explained that the government is simplifying business regulations, strengthening legal protections, and streamlining investment processes.
To boost investments in key sectors, the government has established the Special Investment Facilitation Council, which prioritizes renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, the digital economy, minerals and industrial growth, as well as agriculture and food security.
Discussing agricultural advancements, Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan is adopting eco-friendly innovations to boost productivity, enhance food security, and support the rural economy.
He noted that the government is improving water efficiency through drip irrigation, precision farming, drought-resistant crops, and watershed management to restore depleting aquifers. Additionally, the government is promoting agri-tech innovations by introducing solar-powered irrigation systems and integrating renewable energy into farm operations.
Addressing the situation in Palestine, he expressed hope that the recent violence would be followed by lasting peace. He reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance on the Palestinian issue, stating that a just and durable peace can only be achieved through a two-state solution based on UN resolutions, ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
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