Islamabad: Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said that his country remained committed to fully implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Chairing a meeting on eliminating hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture on Wednesday, Iqbal said that such a target is not merely an international development agenda, but it is the development agenda of Pakistan.
“Ending poverty, hunger, and unemployment were goals that did not require international agreements but necessitated concerted efforts from within each country,” he said.
The Pakistani minister stressed the importance of partnership in sustainable development and the need for collaboration among the government, private sector, and civil society.
Talking about challenges posed by climate change, especially its impacts on food security, Iqbal said that the government has been taking special measures to enhance agricultural productivity and transform Pakistan into a self-sufficient country.
The government has initiated a new program called Green Revolution 2.0, aiming to leverage advancements in biotechnology, digital technology, drone technology, and satellite technology to revolutionize agriculture in Pakistan, he said.
“It is a national challenge to free people from hunger, poverty, ignorance, and disease, and the government remains committed to achieving the goals,” he added.
The minister also urged international organizations to support vulnerable countries like Pakistan in dealing with climate change and providing basic facilities to their people.