Islamabad: The National Assembly SDGs Taskforce convened a high-level dialogue in Islamabad on *'Implementation of the SDGs in a Rapidly Changing Global Context'*, gathering parliamentarians, UN officials, and policy experts to assess development challenges amid growing global uncertainty.
Ms. Shaista Pervaiz, Convenor of the Taskforce, emphasized that recurring border tensions and defense pressures continue to divert resources from essential services. She stressed that *Pakistan's rising debt burden has left virtually no fiscal space for development*, calling for the immediate operationalization of climate finance mechanisms, debt restructuring, and pro-development budget reforms.
Ms. Afke Bootsman, Head of Office, UNRC Pakistan, noted Pakistan's decline to 140 out of 167 in SDG rankings, with stagnation in nutrition, education, and urban resilience. However, she highlighted progress in maternal health and digital access, and called on parliamentarians to lead on legislation, budget, and transparency to accelerate the 2030 Agenda.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Mr. Navid Hanif shared global financing insights from FfD4 and the Sevilla Commitment, encouraging Pakistan's engagement in platforms like the SDG Investment Fair and advocating tools such as debt-for-climate swaps and integrated national strategies.
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri (SDPI) criticized the failure of global financial commitments, noting that of the $9.84 billion pledged in 2022 for SDG support, only a fraction has reached countries like Pakistan. He praised local resilience in Sindh and Balochistan and advocated smarter, homegrown financing models.
Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, raised concern over pressures to tax solar energy, calling it *a move that contradicts Pakistan's climate goals*. He stressed that international institutions must support-not hinder-countries transitioning to clean energy and sustainable practices.
MNA Riaz Fatyana warned that growing debt and unemployment threaten Pakistan's SDG targets. He urged for export growth, WTO trade reform, and enhanced capacity-building for parliamentarians to localize the SDG agenda.
MNA Zeb Jaffar called for broader grassroots and private sector involvement in disaster preparedness and community resilience, especially in response to recurring climate shocks.
Special Secretary Syed Shamoon Hashmi commended the growing leadership of women parliamentarians in SDG efforts, highlighting their increased role in legislation and oversight as a reflection of inclusive governance.
Attending parliamentarians included Mr. Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, Ms. Nikhat Shakeel, Ms. Munaza Hassan, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Somroo, Ms. Sofia Saeed Shah, Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, Ms. Kiran Imran Dar, Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb, Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi, and Mr. Amjad Ali Khan.
The dialogue concluded with a united call for predictable international financing, fair trade systems, and urgent debt relief so that countries like Pakistan can meet their sustainable development and climate goals.