ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday met with the leadership of Acumen Pakistan to discuss climate-focused investment initiatives, particularly a $90 million Agriculture Resilience Fund aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s agriculture sector against the impacts of climate change.
Dr Ayesha Khan, Chief Executive Officer and Country Head of Acumen Pakistan, along with her team, briefed the minister on the progress of the fund, which is designed as a blended finance facility to channel capital into agribusinesses, rural enterprises and farmer networks. The initiative seeks to promote climate-smart farming, strengthen food systems and improve adaptive capacity in agriculture-dependent communities.
The minister appreciated Acumen’s efforts, observing that Pakistan, consistently ranked among the most climate-vulnerable countries, faced severe risks to its agriculture-based economy from floods, droughts and changing weather patterns. He said innovative financing models were urgently required to complement limited public resources and build resilience across farming systems.
Senator Aurangzeb underscored that agriculture remained central to Pakistan’s food security and rural livelihoods, employing nearly 40 per cent of the workforce. “Strengthening food systems and promoting smart farming practices will be vital for long-term economic stability,” he noted.
He assured Acumen of the government’s support for investment initiatives aligned with Pakistan’s sustainable development and climate resilience agenda.
It was further shared that a high-level Acumen delegation, comprising board members and global investors, will visit Pakistan next month. The delegation is expected to engage with stakeholders in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, amid what the ministry described as signs of improving macroeconomic indicators and a forward-looking economic trajectory.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expand collaboration for building a resilient agriculture sector capable of withstanding climate shocks and ensuring long-term food security.
