The Government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday signed two major climate resilience initiatives worth $304.5 million for Sindh and Punjab provinces.

The agreement signed for the Sindh Coastal Resilience Sector Project (SCRP), amounting to $180.5 million, and the Punjab Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Agriculture Mechanisation Project, amounting to $124 million, said a release issued on Tuesday.

Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, expressed his sincere appreciation for ADB’s role as a trusted development partner and its continued support to Pakistan in advancing climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive growth.

He highlighted that the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project will promote integrated water resources and flood risk management, restore nature-based coastal defences, and strengthen institutional and community capacity for strategic action planning.

The project, financed through $140.5 million from ADB (including $140 million loan and $0.5 million technical assistance grant), $40 million from the Green Climate Fund, and $20 million as counterpart funding from the Government of Sindh, will directly benefit over 3.8 million people in Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin districts.

He added that the Punjab Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Agriculture Mechanisation Project will enhance agricultural productivity and climate resilience across 30 districts of Punjab.

The project amounting to $129 million, financed through $120 million ADB Loan, $4 million ADB grant, and $5 million as counterpart funding from the Government of Punjab, will improve access of small farmers to climate-smart machinery, introduce circular agriculture practices to reduce residue burning, establish testing and training facilities, and empower 15,000 women through skills development and livelihood diversification.

The secretary emphasised that both initiatives are transformative in nature as the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project will safeguard livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity along Sindh’s vulnerable coastal belt, whereas the Punjab Mechanisation Project will drive sustainable, low-carbon agricultural growth and inclusive development.

Emma Fan, ADB Country Director, expressed appreciation for the Government of Pakistan’s strong commitment to these initiatives.

She emphasised the significance of the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project in addressing climate-induced risks and protecting coastal communities, and highlighted the Punjab Mechanisation Project as a critical step in modernising agriculture and reducing emissions.

Both sides expressed their commitment to effectively utilise the financing for the successful and timely completion of the two initiatives.