ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed agreements for two projects worth $304.5 million, aimed at strengthening climate resilience and addressing the impacts of climate change.
According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the agreements include the $180.5 million Sindh Coastal Resilience Sector Project and the $124 million Punjab Climate-Resilient Agricultural Mechanization Project.
The agreements were signed by Secretary of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Kareem, ADB Country Director Emma Fan, along with representatives of the Sindh and Punjab governments.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Muhammad Humair Kareem said that ADB will provide $140 million in loans and $0.5 million in technical grants for the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project.
He added that the project will directly benefit the districts of Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin, helping protect coastal communities from climate-related risks.
He further stated that the Punjab Climate-Resilient Project will enhance agricultural productivity and environmental resilience across 30 districts of Punjab.
For this project, ADB will provide $120 million in loans and $4 million in grants, while the Punjab government will contribute $5 million. The initiative will improve small farmers’ access to climate-smart agricultural machinery.
ADB Country Director Emma Fan said that the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project will play a key role in safeguarding coastal populations from climate change-induced hazards.
She added that the Punjab Agricultural Mechanization Project represents an important step toward modernizing agriculture and reducing emissions.
The signing of these agreements reflects Pakistan’s continued collaboration with ADB to promote sustainable development and climate resilience across the country.