Over three dozen officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change including a cabinet member’s daughter are allegedly set to attend COP29 in Baku on Monday, November 11, 2024, with expenses covered by loaned funds. Meanwhile, an IMF delegation is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan the same day to discuss a $1 billion climate financing package.
Sources told ProPakistani that the Ministry of Climate Change is using a substantial portion of the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) to finance the officials’ trip to the COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. This trip is expected to cost the national treasury over $1 million.
The PM’s coordinator on climate change has allegedly included a cabinet member’s daughter in the delegation. Sources suggest the current administration is pursuing personal interests.
The NDRMF, a Pakistan government-owned non-profit funded by loans from the World Bank and other multilateral institutions for ecosystem restoration, appears to be facing mismanagement issues, with funds reportedly being redirected.
According to sources, the government’s seriousness in addressing climate issues can be questioned, as many of the ministry’s officials lack the necessary experience to engage effectively at an international level. This lack of expertise could hinder Pakistan’s ability to secure favorable outcomes or make meaningful contributions to global climate discussions.
Adding to concerns, the government’s commitment to addressing climate change is under scrutiny, given the absence of a full-time minister and a designated secretary for the climate ministry.
Sources also disclosed that Pakistan’s climate efforts have previously been affected by financial mismanagement; last year’s COP28 participation involved a similar wastage of millions of dollars, with minimal presence at the pavilion.
Additionally, individuals close to senior officials in the ministry are allegedly selling COP29 badges to private organizations and individuals. These badges allow them to represent Pakistan on the global stage, even though only authorized government negotiators and experts should represent the country at such high-level forums.
Sources further disclosed that the PM’s coordinator on climate change has allegedly secured a lucrative contract with an institute for an associate, highlighting cronyism in international appointments. Moreover, a private Islamabad-based think tank is reportedly playing an increasing role in the ministry’s decision-making due to connections between the PM’s coordinator and top officials at the think tank, with contracts frequently directed toward this organization.
Responding to inquiries, Romina Khurshid Alam stated that the team includes experienced negotiators from MOCC and MOFA. She added that cost-cutting measures are being implemented, such as traveling in economy class and staying at a hotel located 39 kilometers from the conference venue.
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They are haramkhor , blood sucking creatures of laging ppl. Jesi awam wese hukmaran.
public officials are going to baku due to pm’s austerity measures otherwise they would have gone to Europe.
No one takes us seriously. World isn’t blind where you shout climate change and jet off to international destinations which can simply be hosted and attended virtually.