ISLAMABAD, Apr 22 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called for special financial support from international financial institutions to help Pakistan and other climate-vulnerable nations cope with the growing impact of climate change.
Speaking during a meeting with Luc Triangle, Secretary General of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), at the PM House, the prime minister stressed that Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change.
He recalled the 2022 floods, which caused damages worth $30 billion and severely impacted workers and laborers, leading to widespread employment and livelihood challenges.
Shehbaz Sharif said his government is prioritizing climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, especially for vulnerable communities, while ensuring protection of the livelihoods of economically disadvantaged groups.
He appreciated the ITUC’s global advocacy for labor rights and reaffirmed Pakistan’s collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to safeguard workers’ welfare.
The prime minister said that the government was expanding the coverage of the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and the Workers Welfare Fund to benefit a larger number of workers.
He also highlighted ongoing vocational training initiatives through the National Vocational Technical Training Commission and provincial institutes, aimed at equipping youth with market-relevant skills.
Luc Triangle commended Pakistan’s dedication to democratic values and its commitment to improving labor welfare.
The meeting was also attended by ITUC Regional Secretary General Shoya Yoshida, federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister of State Aun Chaudhry, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.
