Islamabad: The Government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank have signed two major climate resilience initiatives worth $304.5 million. Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim and Country Director ADB Ms. Emma Fan formalized the agreements in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the projects include the Sindh Coastal Resilience Sector Project, with a funding of $180.5 million, and the Punjab Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Agriculture Mechanization Project, valued at $124 million. The Sindh Coastal Resilience Project aims to enhance water resources and flood risk management, restore natural coastal defenses, and strengthen institutional and community capacity for strategic planning. This initiative is expected to benefit over 3.8 million people residing in Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin districts.

In relation to the Punjab Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Agriculture Mechanization Project, the focus is on boosting agricultural productivity and climate resilience across 30 districts in Punjab. The project plans to improve small farmers’ access to climate-smart machinery, introduce circular agriculture practices to minimize residue burning, establish testing and training facilities, and empower 15,000 women through skills development and diversification of livelihoods.