High Commissioner from Britain travels to Northern Pakistan
The British High Commissioner, Christian Turner CMG, recently visited northern Pakistan accompanied by Development Director Annabel Gerry. During the trip, Turner awarded Scottish Pakistan Scholarships to students at Karakorum International University, aiming to make higher education more accessible to underprivileged girls across Pakistan.
The UK's commitment to Pakistan extends beyond education. The country is the 5th most vulnerable to climate change, and the UK is determined to help vulnerable communities adapt. The investment will support these communities in adapting to climate change, improving resilience through emergency disaster planning, and increasing the use of renewable energy.
Climate-smart training for farmers is a crucial part of this initiative. By teaching farmers to adapt their agricultural techniques, food security can be ensured. This is particularly important in Pakistan, which has more glacial ice than any country in the world outside the Polar Regions. Unfortunately, since 2015, the number of lakes caused by melting glaciers has increased from 30 to 150.
The UK is also committed to ensuring every girl gets 12 years of quality education. Since 2015, the UK has supported nearly 8 million girls in Pakistan to attend primary and secondary school. In addition, the UK has plans to work together with Pakistan to make the case at COP26 for nature to be at the heart of global climate action.
The potential for sustainable tourism in northern Pakistan is another area of focus. Turner emphasised the potential for this sector to create jobs and support local communities. The UK plans to invest £13 million in Pakistan this year on tackling climate change, with a focus on climate resilience, nature-based solutions, and leveraging financing from other donors and the private sector on green and clean development.
The UK has also supported local communities worst affected by the glacial flash floods of 2015. Funds were provided for post-flood reconstruction and disaster preparedness work in Garam Chasma through Multi-Year Humanitarian Programme (MYHP) and Building Disaster Resilience Programme (BDRP), delivered by implementing partner ACTED. ACTED also helped to re-establish and train the village Emergency Response Team and constructed drainage lines, roads, irrigation channels, flood protection walls, and shelters for those who have lost their homes in disasters.
The UK is using its Presidency of COP26, to be held in Glasgow 2021, to ensure the priorities of the most affected communities, such as Pakistan, are heard and acted upon. The UK remains committed to supporting Pakistan in its fight against climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
Read also:
- Medical professional advocates for increased action to address deficiency of primary care physicians
- Treating hypertension can potentially add a decade to a person's life span.
- Mau Forest Women Preservers: Maintainers of Food Independence and Protectors of Sovereignty
- Sustainable Dietary Practices in India: Findings from WWF Research
