Government Initiative.

Byline: S. Kamal Hayder Kazmi

Imran Khan, Prince Charles exchange views on COP-26

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan recently held a telephonic conversation with Prince of Wales Charles and exchanged views on the forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-26).It is said that the event is scheduled to be held from October 31 to November 12 this year in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Sources recorded that the Prime Minister Imran Khan lauded UK's leading role in COP-26 as its co-president and believed that the summit would assist translate political commitments into concrete actions, and would put in place ambitious, practical and effective climate action. Imran Khan underscored that every nation must play its due role in combating climate change, in accordance with the principles of equity and 'common but differentiated responsibilities. 'Highlighting Pakistan's full commitment to play its due role in addressing the global environmental problems counting climate change, PM informed the prince of Wales about Pakistan's present submission of its revised nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement, with an ambitious target of 50 percent overall reduction of projected Green House Gases emissions by 2030. He also briefed the Prince of Wales about Pakistan's climate change agenda comprising of landmark initiatives counting the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Initiative, Protected Areas Initiative, Recharge Pakistan Initiative, and Electric Vehicles and Alternative and Renewable Energy Policies. In the regional context, PM underscored Pakistan's interest in a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. He stressed the need to offer urgently needed humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan to avert the economic meltdown and sufferings of common people, mainly at the outset of the winter season. It is also recorded that the Prince of Wales conveyed gratitude on the behalf of the British government for Pakistan's support and facilitation in evacuating its nationals and others from Afghanistan after Taliban takeover. On the other hand, the United Kingdom will offer 7.0 million pounds in 2021 in grant financing and form of technical support to assist Pakistan attain its climate change objectives.

It is said that UK is already working closely...