New compact
AS elections approach ever closer without any tangible improvement in the political atmosphere, there has been a fresh call to renew the Charter of Democracy and finalise the long-discussed ‘charter of economy’. The proposal has come from the PPP, one of the co-signatories of the original Charter of Democracy, which, in 2006, sought to affirm the primacy of democratic power and limit the interference of non-democratic forces in the electoral process. On Monday, the PPP’s Sindh president invited all political parties to convene again and agree on two fresh charters so that the next government has “smooth ground for economic turnaround”. It is a commendable proposal, even if it seems a tad idealistic to believe that any of today’s political players are ready or willing to refuse ‘outside help’ towards achieving their individual goals, as the PPP and PML-N so solemnly did in 2006. Indeed, given how quickly the two parties themselves betrayed the CoD, it would seem odd to hope for different outcomes this time around. However, it is never too late in politics to try again, and there is still considerable room for our leaders to learn from their past mistakes.
It is up to the PPP to step forward and take the lead. It should start by reaching out to all parties represented in the last two general assemblies and involve them in consultations over what a compact for Pakistan’s political future may look like. There must be reflection on why and where the original CoD proved unsuccessful, and some introspection by the parties involved to determine what needs to be done in order to prevent it from failing again. The good thing is that a basic framework for a political compact is already present. It may be strengthened greatly with an agreement by all stakeholders that they will respect each other’s mandate and allow elected governments to complete their tenure. As a corollary, while the legal pathway of removing governments will always be available, opposition parties must eschew regime change and consider it a ‘nuclear option’ rather than some ‘ultimate goal’. The core focus should be on ensuring stability, and stability may only be achieved when responsibilities and policies are passed from one government to another in an environment of mutual respect, no matter how stark the differences between the respective political parties.
Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2023
Climate crossroads
COP28 IS kicking off tomorrow in the UAE where Pakistan will plead its case as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, accompanied by Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Minister for Climate Change Ahmed Irfan Aslam, will call for the implementation of the Loss and Damage fund — established last year after Pakistan successfully argued that “what happens in Pakistan will not stay in Pakistan”.
The PM will also urge developed countries to deliver on the long overdue commitment of $100bn per year as climate finance for developing countries. Pakistan stands at a critical juncture, having faced the brunt of climate-induced catastrophes, most notably last year’s devastating floods.
This disaster, which affected 33m people, underscored the disproportionate effect of climate change on developing nations. Pakistan, despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, has been a repeated victim of extreme weather events, with temperatures soaring to 53°C in recent years.
Its National Adaptation Plan aims to mitigate these impacts through a strategic, government-wide approach. However, such plans require resources far beyond the current capabilities of Sindh and Balochistan, both of which were inundated by the 2022 deluge.
The question of financing looms large: the World Bank estimates Pakistan needs $348bn by 2030, merely to maintain resilience. The financial gap to achieve climate-linked SDGs in developing countries has widened alarmingly, reaching $5.2tr annually. This necessitates a radical overhaul of the international financial system to better support climate-vulnerable countries.
NAP integrates climate-adaptation goals into every facet of development planning. It is imperative that global financial mechanisms mirror this integration. Unfortunately, the Global Goal on Adaptation — a collective commitment under the Paris Agreement aimed at reducing vulnerability to climate change — remains under-capitalised, and the L&D fund is yet to be made functional.
Recommendations by the UN secretary general to scale up renewable funding also need implementation. Moreover, the role of the private sector in providing structural incentives for climate-resilient investments cannot be overstated.
As Pakistan presents its case at COP28, the focus must be on ensuring that the L&D fund is tailored to meet the specific requirements of nations like itself. This includes a strong push for utilising grant-based public finance as the main source of capital and effectively executing the fund within the framework of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
The challenges are manifold, and the path ahead is fraught with complexities. Yet, the conference presents a unique opportunity for global leaders to demonstrate their commitment to climate justice.
For Pakistan and other vulnerable nations, it is not just a diplomatic engagement but a fight for survival and a plea for equitable, effective action against the climate crisis. The world must not fail them.
Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2023