ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (NNI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed sorrow over the devastating floods in Malaysia, which have displaced over 37,000 people, and highlighted the urgent need for global action to address climate change.
In a message to the Malaysian authorities and people, Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity, pledging support for the flood-hit nation.
“Pakistan and Malaysia are long-standing friends and brotherly countries. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is a friend of Pakistan, Pakistan will not leave him alone in this hour of difficulty,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.
His statement comes as Pakistan continues to grapple with its own vulnerability to climate change, which has triggered erratic weather patterns, including catastrophic floods, glacial melts, heatwaves and droughts.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to support the Malaysian people in this hour of grief, he said Pakistan would help its suffering brothers and sisters in Malaysia with all available resources. “The harmful effects of climate change are engulfing the whole world. The entire world must come together and take steps to stop climate change,” the prime minister said.
Two years ago, floods in Pakistan killed about 1,700 people, caused estimated losses of $35 billion and underscored the country’s exposure to environmental shocks.
“The adverse effects of climate change are engulfing the entire world,” the prime minister said. “The global community must unite to take collective action to mitigate these impacts.”
At the recent COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, Pakistan reiterated its call for increased climate finance and justice-based solutions to support vulnerable nations.
It emphasized that developed countries must provide grants and concessional financing rather than burdening climate-affected nations with debt.
Pakistani authorities could relate with the situation in Malaysia where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told parliament that torrential rains have affected six Malaysian states, with 322 temporary shelters housing those displaced.
Sharif extended condolences to the victims and assured assistance to Malaysia, noting the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
“Pakistan will do whatever it can to help our brothers and sisters in distress in Malaysia,” he said. “In this difficult hour, Pakistan will not leave Malaysia alone.” NNI
