Hope of Tomorrow’s World
Hope of Tomorrow’s World: International lenders are warning that Pakistan is becoming more fragile due to climate change. At the end of the Sustainable Development Conference, the World Bank and IMF said that rapid population growth, pollution, and resource loss are pushing Pakistan toward danger.
Severe Climate Threat
Dr. Bolormaa Amgabazar, the World Bank’s country director, said Pakistan faces very high climate and pollution risks. The Bank’s Climate and Country Development Report predicts a 20–30% drop in GDP by 2050 if the country does not change course. This threat is already visible. Floods and droughts are destroying crops, hurting incomes, and damaging health. These pressures are widening inequality and could spark unrest in poor regions.
Financial Support Plan
Mahir Binici from the IMF said Pakistan must reform to build climate resilience. He said the $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility will help include climate goals in financial planning. Future development projects will face climate checks — a good step toward accountability.
Double Challenge
But Pakistan faces a double challenge. It must reform and adapt at the same time, while foreign aid remains slow. The Loss and Damage Fund, meant to give quick help to climate-hit countries, has not paid out anything yet.
Need for Funding
If the World Bank’s $20 billion Country Partnership Framework and the Loss and Damage Fund deliver money soon, they can support long-term adaptation. Without timely funding, reforms will stay weak.
Published in Dawn, 10th November 2025
