logo
Pakistan falling behind on SDG commitments

Pakistan falling behind on SDG commitments

Express Tribune07-05-2025

Minister of State for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik addressing a press conference in Islamabad on December 5, 2022. PHOTO: PID
Pakistan must urgently realign its development priorities with the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Pakistan SDG's Policy Dialogue for Action in Islamabad, he warned that the country ranks lowest in South Asia in terms of SDG progress.
Currently, Pakistan stands at 137th out of 166 countries in the 2024 SDG Index, with a score of just 57.02, significantly behind regional neighbors such as India (63.99), Bangladesh (64.35), and Sri Lanka (67.43).

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

PM Shehbaz to visit UAE for high-level talks on June 12
PM Shehbaz to visit UAE for high-level talks on June 12

Express Tribune

time3 days ago

  • Express Tribune

PM Shehbaz to visit UAE for high-level talks on June 12

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Istanbul airport on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Photo: PID Listen to article Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday, 12 June 2025. The visit highlights the deep-rooted fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE, built on mutual trust, shared values, and close cooperation in multiple sectors. The prime minister will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, and other senior officials. Read: PM Shehbaz 'ready for talks' with India on water, trade During the visit, Shehbaz will hold high-level engagements with the UAE leadership, including a bilateral meeting with the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to the Foreign Office, a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest and concern will be discussed during the interactions. Read More: Pakistan, Azerbaijan reaffirm commitment to strategic partnership The visit aims to further deepen economic cooperation, strengthen political understanding, and foster multifaceted collaboration across sectors including trade, investment, energy, and labour. In a statement, the Foreign Office said the visit is a manifestation of Pakistan's and the UAE's shared commitment to enhancing their strategic partnership. Both sides are expected to explore new avenues for collaboration, while reinforcing their long-standing cordial ties. Shehbaz also held telephone conversations with several world leaders on the occasion of Eidul Azha. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, unity within the Muslim Ummah, and stronger bilateral cooperation. The discussions served to extend festive greetings and promote shared values of solidarity and mutual respect among nations. Read More: Islamabad, Riyadh to further elevate strategic ties Earlier, Shehbaz undertook a two-day official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The visit coincided with Eidul Azha and aimed to express Pakistan's appreciation for the Kingdom's constructive role in easing tensions between Pakistan and India during their recent conflict. The prime minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including senior ministers and officials, reflecting the importance Islamabad placed on the visit. In May, Shehbaz Sharif concluded a six-day tour of Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan. That tour was undertaken to consolidate regional ties and personally thank the leadership of those nations for their support during the crisis with India. Read More: Shehbaz, Erdogan vow to elevate 'strategic' ties The trip concluded in Tajikistan, where the prime minister participated in the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe, reiterating Pakistan's commitment to regional cooperation on climate issues. Both diplomatic engagements were described by the Foreign Office as part of Pakistan's broader effort to bolster strategic partnerships, strengthen economic relations, and reinforce solidarity within the region.

Rs1trn set aside for PSDP
Rs1trn set aside for PSDP

Business Recorder

time3 days ago

  • Business Recorder

Rs1trn set aside for PSDP

ISLAMABAD: The budget 2025-26 allocated Rs1,000 billion for federal Public Sector Development Programme while provincial Annual Development Plans earmarked 2,869 billion. A separate allocation has been envisaged for state-owned entities, ie, Rs355 billion against Rs196.839 billion last fiscal year. The budgeted allocation for 2024-25 was Rs1,400 billion and the current year is lower allocation which indicates a decline of 28.5 percent next fiscal year. During the year the government reduced it to Rs1.1 trillion due to narrow fiscal space. The highest allocation under the PSDP has been earmarked for transport at Ra 225 billion with roads (Quetta-Karachi dualisation, Sukkur Hyderabad motorway, Eastbay Expressway accounting for a total cost of 501 billion rupees), water resources 184 billion rupees in spite of Pakistan being a water stressed country and climate allocated a mere 5.26 billion rupees though Pakistan is a major climate stressed country. Budget 2025-26: Pakistan targets 4.2% growth as Aurangzeb presents proposals 'for a competitive economy' Climate resilience projects include urban flood strategy and spatial planning 106 million rupees, green Pakistan 2.25 billion rupees, green skills and innovation 450 million rupees and biosafety and SDG reporting 300 million rupees. Three ongoing dams have been allocated the following amounts: Bhasha dam 60 billion rupees, Dasu 20 billion rupees, Mohmand 15 billion rupees while K-IV electric water supply has been budgeted 12 billion rupees and rural electrification and solarisation 10 billion rupees. Merged districts have been allocated a budget of 70 billion rupees and special areas (AJK and GB) 74.5 billion rupees. Health services which witnessed a major inflationary impact last fiscal year are budgeted at 24.7 billion rupees while IT and telecom, with potential to emerge as a major source of foreign exchange earnings budgeted at 23 billion rupees. The government has budgeted 61 billion rupees for Higher Education Commission, 4.7 billion rupees for NAVTTC Skill programme, 14 billion rupees for Pakistan Education Endowment, 5 billion rupees for cancer hospital Islamabad and 10 billion rupees for hepatitis and diabetes control. The PSDP handout states that Uraan Pakistan, a vision for the future, is our pledge, with no region ignored, no citizen forgotten, no potential wasted. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Pakistan, Russia have 'enormous potential' to deepen ties: Zardari
Pakistan, Russia have 'enormous potential' to deepen ties: Zardari

Express Tribune

time4 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Pakistan, Russia have 'enormous potential' to deepen ties: Zardari

President Asif Ali Zardari cutting the cake to mark the 35th national day celebrations of the Russian Federation, in Islamabad on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Photo: PID Listen to article President Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan and Russia possess "enormous potential" that must be harnessed to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and people-to-people exchanges. He made these remarks while addressing a ceremony held in Islamabad on Tuesday to mark the 35th National Day of the Russian Federation. 'On this significant occasion, Pakistan joins Russia in celebrating this National Day, reflecting our solidarity and friendship,' President Zardari said. 'I am glad to state that our bilateral relations have improved over the years, based on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared interests in various fields.' He extended warm congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ambassador Albert Khorev, and the people of Russia. The ceremony began with the national anthems of both countries, solemnly observed by the attendees. Read more: Pakistan, Russia aim to set up steel mill President Zardari said Pakistan regards Russia as an important global power and a key player in promoting peace and stability in the Eurasian region. He highlighted recent high-level exchanges between Islamabad and Moscow, describing them as laying the foundation for deeper engagement. 'Pakistan and Russia also continue to cooperate closely on regional and international platforms,' he added. Referring to recent diplomatic outreach, the president said, 'Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Tariq Fatemi, had a very promising meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister in Moscow early this month where both sides had underscored the importance of peace and stability in the region.' Expressing optimism about the future of bilateral ties, the president said: 'I am confident that the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Russia will continue to strengthen. As we celebrate this important occasion tonight, let us reaffirm our commitment to building bridges of understanding and cooperation between our two nations. Let us take hold of the opportunities that lie ahead and work together for a brighter and more prosperous future. Long live Pakistan-Russia friendship.' Earlier, in his welcome address, Russian Ambassador Albert Khorev said Russia remained a sovereign, powerful, and resilient nation, 'driven by the unwavering support of its people.' Also read: Pakistan identifies six new trade corridors Quoting President Vladimir Putin, the ambassador said that Russia had historically played a unifying role in the region, stretching 'from the Baltics to the Caucasus.' He noted the 'satisfactory pace' of Pak-Russia bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors and appreciated Pakistan's growing interest in Russian culture and language. 'We commend the Pakistani enthusiasm for learning the Russian language,' he said. 'The Russian Mission is actively supporting the establishment and expansion of language learning institutions across the country.' Ambassador Khorev reaffirmed Russia's support for Pakistan at various international platforms and expressed a desire to deepen ties in education, diplomacy, and mutual development. The ceremony concluded with a musical performance by a Russian folk artist.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store