IMF calls for strict climate adaptation plans

The Interna­tional Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to prioritise climate adaptation measures at federal and provincial levels to build resilience against natural disasters triggered by extreme weather events, including floods and droughts. The team has recommended stringent measures to prevent construction near rivers, nullahs, other waterways and forests, alongside plans for energy-efficient buildings in urban and rural areas. This emerged on Tuesday as a four-member technical mission of the Fund continued discussions with federal and provincial governments to prepare for the country’s request for over $1 billion in additional financing for climate resilience. Meanwhile, official sources confirmed that a nine-member staff team of the IMF led by Mission Chief Nathan Porter would arrive at Islamabad on March 3 for a two-week-long review of Pakistan’s performance under the $7bn Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The mission is tentatively scheduled to wrap up its first biannual review by March 15.