Pakistan to spend loan money on officials attending COP29

Pakistan's Ministry of Climate Change is allegedly spending loan money to fund officials attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Sourced told Nukta that the Ministry of Climate Change is using a big chunk of the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) on the trip of officials participating in COP29 conference scheduled for Monday (November 11, 2024) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The trip to Baku would cost around $1 million to the national kitty.

The NDRMF, a government-owned not-for-profit institution, receives loans from the World Bank and other multilateral institutions for ecosystem restoration. However, it appears these funds are being misused.

Over 10 officials from the Ministry of Climate Change, including Coordinator to PM on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and Deputy PM & Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, will attend the conference.

An official said the absence of a full-time minister and a secretary in the climate ministry further highlights the government's lack of seriousness in tackling climate issues.

Under Sherry Rehman's leadership, the Ministry of Climate Change had effectively worked with international partners, ensuring Pakistan's voice was heard globally. However, the current administration appears to be driven by personal gains, with allegations of cronyism and misuse of funds.

Romina Khurshid Alam responded to these allegations by stating that their team includes experienced negotiators from the Ministry of Climate Change and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She also mentioned measures to minimize costs, such as traveling economy class and staying in a hotel 39 km away from the venue.