PM urges developed nations to assist developing countries steer out of debt traps

 NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on developed nations to support developing countries in avoiding debt traps primarily caused by climate change-related natural disasters. He made these comments during a panel discussion titled “SDG Moment 2024” at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.PM Set to Participate in UN Assembly Session

The Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan faced unprecedented flooding in 2022 due to climate change, resulting in an estimated economic loss of $30 billion. He stressed that wealthier nations bear responsibility for carbon emissions and should help developing countries recover.

Regarding education in Pakistan, he noted that 25 million children are currently out of school and emphasized ongoing efforts to enroll them. During his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab and now as Prime Minister, he has introduced several transformative initiatives aimed at improving education and empowering marginalized communities.

Among these initiatives is the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund, the largest of its kind in South Asia, which has provided educational stipends to hundreds of thousands of high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds for both local and international studies.

He also mentioned the establishment of Daanish Schools, specifically designed for talented, underprivileged, and orphaned children. These schools, equipped with modern facilities and qualified educators, have produced numerous doctors, engineers, and scientists.

Additionally, he stated that his government has launched vocational training programs in educational institutions and initiated a skills development initiative.

On the issue of terrorism, the Prime Minister noted that Pakistan faced severe terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11, driven by external forces, leading to the martyrdom of around 80,000 Pakistanis. He emphasized that Pakistan has suffered an economic loss of $150 billion in its fight against terrorism.