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Pakistan, ADB ink two climate resilience initiatives worth over $300m
- Coastal project targets flood risks, ecosystem restoration: ministry
- Punjab initiative promotes low-carbon, climate-smart farming.
- Millions to benefit from resilience, productivity measures: ministry.
Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday signed two major climate resilience initiatives aimed at strengthening coastal protection and promoting low-carbon agriculture.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the agreements include the $180.5 million Sindh Coastal Resilience Sector Project (SCRP) and the Punjab Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Agriculture Mechanisation Project, valued at $124 million.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Islamabad, Secretary Ministry of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim appreciated ADB’s continued support, describing it as a trusted development partner in Pakistan’s efforts to advance climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and inclusive growth.
He said the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project would promote integrated water resources and flood risk management, restore nature-based coastal defences, and strengthen institutional and community capacity for strategic planning.
The project will be financed through $140.5 million from ADB, including a $140 million loan and $0.5 million technical assistance grant, $40 million from the Green Climate Fund, and $20 million in counterpart funding from the Sindh government. It is expected to directly benefit more than 3.8 million people in Thatta, Sujawal and Badin districts.
Karim said the Punjab Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Agriculture Mechanisation Project would enhance agricultural productivity and climate resilience across 30 districts of Punjab. The project, with a total outlay of $129 million, will be financed through a $120 million ADB loan, a $4 million ADB grant, and $5 million in counterpart funding from the Punjab government.
Under the project, small farmers will gain improved access to climate-smart machinery, circular agriculture practices will be introduced to reduce crop residue burning, testing and training facilities will be established, and 15,000 women will be empowered through skills development and livelihood diversification.
The secretary said both initiatives were transformative, noting that the Sindh project would safeguard livelihoods, food security and biodiversity along the province’s vulnerable coastal belt, while the Punjab project would drive sustainable, low-carbon agricultural growth and inclusive development.
ADB Country Director Emma Fan welcomed Pakistan’s commitment, highlighting the importance of the Sindh project in addressing climate-induced risks and protecting coastal communities, and describing the Punjab mechanisation initiative as a key step toward modernising agriculture and reducing emissions.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the effective use of financing and the timely completion of the two projects.
Entertainment
Robert Duvall, known for his roles in "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," dies at 95
Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall died on Sunday at the age of 95. Duvall starred in classics like “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now.” Vladimir Duthiers looks back at his career.
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Streets are about to turn purple, green, and gold as communities celebrate Mardi Gras.
The celebration dates back centuries, preceding the Christian season of Lent.
Commonly known as “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, representing the start of Lent, 40 days of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter.
The tradition linked to European Christians serves as a final opportunity to enjoy rich foods before the more solemn season starts.
Here are some surprising facts about Mardi Gras that you may not know.
It’s a legal holiday in Louisiana
Mardi Gras is officially celebrated across the United States. However, the government of Louisiana declares it an official holiday. Considering how deeply the festival is woven into the state’s culture, the government offices and schools remain closed.
Mardi Gras colors have meaning
The official colors (purple, green, and gold) are not chosen randomly. In 1872, the Krewe of Rex in New Orleans assigned meaning to them. Purple represents justice, green indicates faith while gold is the symbol of power.
Mask wearing is required by law
Legal bodies in New Orleans have mandated float riders to wear masks. The rule dates back to the 19th century and was designed to encourage anonymity and social equality during the festivities.
UNESCO Belgium recognises it formally
The Carnival of Binche in Binche holds so much significance culturally that it was recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Performers known as Gilles throw oranges into crowds as part of the celebration.
Largest free party in the U.S.
Mardi Gras is also known as the largest free party in the United States, attracting over a million visitors in peak years.
From medieval Europe to modern-day America, the celebration continues to blend faith, culture, and community. Mardi Gras is set to conclude at midnight.
Jackie Chan is clueless about the Kardashians and fans are not surprised by the revelation at all.
A throwback video has resurfaced on the internet, where Jackie was asked to name his favourite Kardashian and he was completely confused.
The incident occurred in 2017, while he was promoting his film The Foreigner on Access Hollywood Live.
The host asked him, “Who is you favourite Kardashian”. Chan, who was totally perplexed, replied, “Kardashian? What do you mean, Kardashian?”
The Rush Hour actor even inquired “if the name was English”.
Fans are not surprised at all by Chan being clueless about the popular American media and business dynasty, led by Kris Jenner as they emphasized that both belong to “different worlds.”
“Jackie Chan has been making action classics for decades… Meanwhile the Kardashian family built a whole empire off reality TV. Two completely different worlds colliding”, wrote one.
Meanwhile, another one highlighted how big of a star Jackie himself is that even the Kardashians are his fan.
A social media user commented, “The truth that’s not everyone knows the kardashians and Jackie wasn’t a new school type of person He’s an icon from way back, even the Kardashians are his fans.”
Work wise, the 71-year-old Hong Kong based actor last featured in Karate Kid: Legends (2025). He is all set to return for a potential Rush Hour 4 movie.
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