Pakistan urges more funding for developing countries

Express Tribune

20-07-2025

Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, speaks at the UN Security Council meeting on Israel-Iran conflict on June 13, 2025. Courtesy: X@PakistanUN_NY
Reaffirming its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 7), which aims to ensure access to affordable and clean energy for all, Pakistan has underscored the need for fiscal space for developing countries, especially those facing a debt servicing crisis, to respond to the exceptional needs of their population.
"When it comes to Pakistan, we exemplify both the urgency and opportunity of the global energy transition," Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told a panel of the UN High-level Political Forum (HLPF) which reviewed progress on SDG 7.
Pakistan is a co-chair of the Group of Friends of Sustainable Energy with a strong focus on achieving SDG7 that aligns with their national development priorities and the broader global agenda.
The HLPF, held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council, provides a platform for countries to report on their progress towards the SDGs, including SDG7.
Noting that that around 40 million people in Pakistan in 2024 remained without electricity access, the Pakistani envoy said, "We are steadfast in our clean energy ambitions; the country has set a goal of achieving 60% renewable electricity by 2030.
"Our energy roadmap envisages adding 13 GW (gigawatts) of new hydropower, while nuclear energy continues to provide reliable, low-carbon baseload power." Ambassador Asim Iftikhar added, "A 'silent solar revolution' is also under way in my country, driven by low import tariffs, cheap technology and net-metering policies. Estimates show that solar already accounted for roughly 25% of utility electricity in early 2025."