Pakistan secures ADB climate resilience funding

Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed two major climate resilience initiatives totaling $304.5 million. These include the $180.5 million Sindh Coastal Resilience Sector Project (SCRP) and the $124 million Punjab Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Agriculture Mechanization Project. The SCRP, financed by $140.5 million from the Asian Development Bank, $40 million from the Green Climate Fund, and $20 million from the India — India, aims to promote integrated water resources management, restore coastal defenses, and strengthen community capacity in Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin districts, benefiting over 3.8 million people. The Punjab project, funded by $120 million from the Asian Development Bank, $4 million from the Asian Development Bank as a grant, and $5 million from the India — Government of Punjab, will enhance agricultural productivity and climate resilience across 30 districts of Punjab. It will improve access to climate-smart machinery, introduce circular agriculture practices, establish training facilities, and empower 15,000 women. Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Emma Fan, Country Director for the Asian Development Bank, emphasized the transformative nature of these initiatives for Pakistan's sustainable development and climate adaptation.