MINA: As Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan took his oath of office in Islamabad, Pakistani pilgrims in Mina were excited about the change of leadership in their home nation.
“Though we are far away from the country to perform Hajj, we are hearing lots of good news from Pakistan. It seems like our prayers are already answered,” said Naseema Bano, from Islamabad. She added that she is very happy that she will return from Hajj to a “new” Pakistan under a new leadership.
Ahmed Ali, from Karachi, said that many Pakistanis are praying for Khan and his success.
“I feel blessed that I am at the right place to pray for my Naya Pakistan (new Pakistan),” he said. “(Khan) is a lucky man that millions of Pakistanis will pray from him — it is such a blessing for a leader. I hope he will meet our expectations.”
Khan has vowed to run the country on an Islamic welfare state model, as first implemented by the Prophet Muhammad in Madina. However, not everyone is impressed by the new prime minister.
“Not Imran Khan but, yes, Pakistan will always be in my prayers,” said Begum Zaitun, from Jehlum, who added that she is concerned about the future of the Islamic nation’s social fabric under the new government, which is led by Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
“The kind of stories I read about of Imran Khan, I am scared that our country will become morally corrupt where all social evils will rule our society,” she said. “I will pray to Allah that my country will be saved from becoming western.”
A total of 179,210 Pakistanis have performed Hajj this year, one of the largest national representations.
Pakistani pilgrims pray for future of ‘New Pakistan’ during Hajj
Pakistani pilgrims pray for future of ‘New Pakistan’ during Hajj
- While performing Hajj, Pakistanis are keeping a close eye on political activity back home
- New Prime Minister Imran Khan promised to run the country on an Islamic welfare state model of the kind first established by the Prophet Muhammad in Madinah
Pakistan, UK sign £35 million Green Compact to strengthen climate resilience
- Pakistan ranks among nations most vulnerable to climate change and has seen erratic changes in its weather patterns
- UK will help Pakistan mobilize climate finance, strengthen regulatory frameworks and develop bankable climate projects
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK) have formalized a comprehensive climate partnership with the launch of a Green Compact that aims to enhance climate resilience, accelerate clean energy transition and scale up nature-based solutions, including mangrove conservation, Pakistani state media reported on Sunday.
The agreement, signed in Islamabad by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik and UK Minister for International Development Jennifer Chapman, unlocks £35 million in targeted support for green development and long-term climate action, according to Radio Pakistan broadcaster.
Pakistan ranks among nations most vulnerable to climate change and has seen erratic changes in its weather patterns that have led to frequent heatwaves, untimely rains, storms, cyclones, floods and droughts in recent years. In 2022, monsoon floods killed over 1,700 people, displaced another 33 million and caused over $30 billion losses, while another 1,037 people were killed in floods this year.
Mohammad Saleem Shaikh, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change, described the compact as a “decisive move toward action-oriented climate cooperation,” noting that its implementation over the next decade will be critical for Pakistan which regularly faces floods, heatwaves and water stress.
“The Compact is structured around five core pillars: climate finance and investment, clean energy transition, nature-based solutions, innovation and youth empowerment, and adaptation and resilience,” the report read.
“Under the agreement, the UK will work with Pakistan to mobilize public and private climate finance, strengthen regulatory frameworks for green investment, and develop bankable climate projects.”
Clean energy forms a central component of Pakistan’s transition, with Islamabad planning to expand solar and wind generation to reduce fossil fuel dependence, improve energy security and stabilize power costs, according to Shaikh.
“Renewable energy is now economically competitive, making the transition both environmentally and financially viable,” he was quoted as saying.
“Nature-based solutions, particularly large-scale mangrove restoration, will protect coastal communities from storm surges and erosion while enhancing biodiversity and carbon sequestration.”
Under the Compact, technical support, mentoring and access to investors will be provided to climate-smart startups and young innovators, reflecting Pakistan’s recognition of youth-led initiatives as central to future climate solutions.
On the occasion, Chapman, on her first official visit to Pakistan, underscored the urgency of climate action, highlighting the UK’s support for renewable energy, mangrove and ecosystem restoration, early-warning systems, climate budgeting and international investment flows into Pakistan.
Shaikh described the Green Compact as “a strategic turning point” in Pakistan–UK relations on climate change, saying its effective implementation is essential for Pakistan to meet its national climate targets.
