Army chief stresses economic stability as key to national sovereignty at Green Pakistan conference

Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir (center in first row) poses for group picture with the participants of Green Pakistan conference in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on April 26, 2024. (ISPR)
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Updated 26 April 2024
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Army chief stresses economic stability as key to national sovereignty at Green Pakistan conference

  • General Asim Munir says army will continue to support the government with economic development of Pakistan
  • He tells the gathering the military will provide comprehensive national security, work for Pakistan’s collective good

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir emphasized the importance of economic stability for a country to achieve full sovereignty while addressing the Green Pakistan Initiative conference on Friday, adding that his institution would continue to support the government in these efforts.

The initiative was launched as a response to the severe climate change impacts that Pakistan has faced over the years, including droughts, catastrophic floods, and extreme heatwaves. The program aims not only to mitigate the effects of erratic weather patterns by improving forest cover and restoring the ecosystem but also enhance the country’s resilience against future climatic shocks.

Pakistan has witnessed a growing awareness about the nexus between environmental issues and national security, prompting various sectors, including the military, to contribute to such green efforts.

“Pakistan is a blessed land with an industrious and resilient nation which needs to come together for national development,” the military’s media wing, ISPR, quoted the army chief in a statement circulated after the conference.

“Pakistan Army will continue to provide all possible support for the economic development of Pakistan,” he continued while pointing out the efforts of his institution to provide comprehensive national security and work for the collective good of the nation.

The state-owned PTV News reported the army chief warned all those who were trying to stop the country from progressing that their efforts would be wasted.

“In today’s era, the concept of complete sovereignty is not possible without economic stability,” he added.

Senior members of Pakistan’s federal cabinet were also present at the conference.

The participants reviewed the progress made under the initiative, expressing satisfaction that the country had achieved significant milestones under the program by establishing model farms, launching water management schemes and enhancing agricultural productivity.


Pakistan, ADB sign $730 loan agreements to boost SOE reforms, energy infrastructure

Updated 25 December 2025
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Pakistan, ADB sign $730 loan agreements to boost SOE reforms, energy infrastructure

  • Both sign $330 million Power Transmission Strengthening Project and $400 million SOE Transformation Program loan agreements
  • Economic Affairs Division official says Transmission Project will secure Pakistan’s energy future by strengthening national grid’s backbone

KARACHI: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday signed two loan agreements totaling $730 million to boost reforms in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and energy infrastructure in the country, the bank said.

The first of the two agreements pertains to the SOE Transformation Program worth $400 million while the second loan, worth $330 million, is for a Power Transmission Strengthening Project, the lender said. 

The agreements were signed by ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan and Pakistan’s Secretary of Economic Affairs Division Humair Karim. 

“The agreements demonstrate ADB’s enduring commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Pakistan,” the ADB said. 

Pakistan’s SOEs have incurred losses worth billions of dollars over the years due to financial mismanagement and corruption. These entities, including the country’s national airline Pakistan International Airlines, which was sold to a private group this week, have relied on subsequent government bailouts over the years to operate.

The ADB approved the $400 million loan for SOE reforms on Dec. 12. It said the program seeks to improve governance and optimize the performance of Pakistan’s commercial SOEs. 

Karim highlighted that the Power Transmission Strengthening Project will enable reliable evacuation of 2,300 MW from Pakistan’s upcoming hydropower projects, relieve overloading of existing transmission lines and enhance resilience under contingency conditions, the Press Information Department (PID) said. 

“The Secretary emphasized that both initiatives are transformative in nature as the Transmission Project will secure Pakistan’s energy future by strengthening the backbone of the national grid whereas the SOE Program will enhance transparency, efficiency and sustainability of state-owned enterprises nationwide,” the PID said. 

The ADB has supported reforms by Pakistan to strengthen its public finance and social protection systems. It has also undertaken programs in the country to help with post-flood reconstruction, improve food security and social and human capital. 

To date, ADB says it has committed 764 public sector loans, grants and technical assistance totaling $43.4 billion to Pakistan.