Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed the government's commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and also pledged full assistance in this effort. Speaking with Knut Ostby, the UNDP's resident representative who had come to meet him, the minister recognised the UNDP's crucial contribution as a partner in development to the achievement of the SDGs. He greeted Knut Ostby on behalf of the Steering Committee on Climate Resilient Pakistan, and thanked him for working so well with them to implement flood relief measures in Pakistan.

Ishaq Dar praised UNDP and Planning Division's joint work in creating a useful plan for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood-affected areas that was presented at the Geneva Conference in January 2023. He continued by saying that Pakistan was able to get assistance from a number of partners as a result of the UNDP's prompt and commendable help. He thanked Knut Ostby for his help and cooperation.

Knut Ostby updated the minister on the institutional plans that UNDP is now putting in place for short-, medium-, and long-term objectives related to the Climate Resilient Pakistan rehabilitation and recovery plan of action in flood-affected areas. He informed that plans were being formulated to put the recovery plans into action in conjunction with the Economic Affairs Division and Ministry of Planning and Development. He asked the finance minister to engage the private sector to help advance and catch up with SDG-related projects.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk