The Minister emphasises the necessity of sustainable infrastructure for the nation’s future.
On Tuesday, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal underscored the necessity for sustainable and environmentally friendly development in Pakistan, highlighting the importance of infrastructure that fosters progress while preserving ecological integrity.
Professor Iqbal presented the keynote lecture at the unveiling of the Asian Infrastructure Finance 2025 study, a collaborative effort between the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), centred on the theme “Infrastructure for Planetary Health.” The event convened policymakers, economists, development partners, and climate specialists to deliberate on the construction of resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
The minister commended PIDE and AIIB on their strategic alliance, emphasising the government’s initiatives within the 5Es framework, which encompass zero-emission electric buses, the rehabilitation of flood-prone riverbanks, and the climate-resilience of healthcare facilities. He observed that the Planning Commission now requires all projects to include climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and revised building rules.
Prof. Iqbal stated, “The expense of inaction—manifested in lost lives, health emergencies, or economic downturns—exceeds the investment necessary for sustainable, future-oriented solutions.” He promoted the utilisation of green bonds, resilience bonds, and public-private partnerships to address the climate finance deficit by mobilising both domestic and foreign resources.
The minister emphasised the necessity of investing in climate-educated experts, including engineers, planners, architects, and economists, to create a resilient future for Pakistan. He advocated for ongoing collaboration with PIDE and AIIB to integrate climate resilience into national policy frameworks.
Dr. Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor of PIDE, emphasised the profound effects of climate change on Pakistan, referencing the 2022 floods that resulted in $32 billion in damages, obliterated two decades of progress, and thrust over six million individuals into poverty. He cautioned that environmental deterioration, inadequate water storage, and climate-sensitive agriculture elevate hazards necessitating collaborative action and strategic long-term planning.
Dr. Jang Ping Thia, Lead Economist at AIIB, highlighted the report’s results that associate inadequate infrastructure with deteriorating health outcomes in Asia. He observed that climate change disproportionately impacts low-income and marginalised people, emphasising the necessity of regarding environment as essential infrastructure.
He referenced instances such as wetland restoration, urban green buffers, and nature-based solutions as economically viable and crucial for public health and economic resiliency.
The conference included a panel of experts, such as Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, Chief Economist at the Ministry of Planning, and Dr. Muhammad Faisal, Research Fellow at PIDE, who emphasised the necessity of incorporating climate risk into infrastructure planning, enhancing green finance, and implementing adaptive agriculture and resilient urban development.
