In a landmark move to combat escalating environmental challenges, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has announced the establishment of a Climate Change Authority (CCA), tasked with enforcing Pakistan’s commitments to regional and global climate agreements. The declaration came during his keynote address at an international climate conference in the capital, signaling Pakistan’s intensified resolve to address the climate crisis.
“The CCA will serve as a cornerstone for coordinating and implementing climate action across all tiers of governance,” stated Iqbal, underscoring the government’s commitment to collaboration with provinces, international partners, and stakeholders. He emphasized the critical role of provincial governments in executing climate policies, noting that “climate change transcends borders it demands unity, innovation, and shared responsibility.”
Pakistan, a signatory to the Paris Agreement, faces acute climate threats, including catastrophic floods, glacial melt, and heatwaves. Iqbal stressed that the new authority will streamline efforts to meet the country’s obligations under the accord, focusing on mitigation, adaptation, and eco-resilience. “Climate action isn’t a choice; it’s survival,” he asserted, highlighting the Planning Ministry’s ongoing work with provinces to draft a unified national policy.
The minister also outlined plans to integrate climate considerations into Pakistan’s development framework, ensuring projects align with sustainability goals. He called for increased international financing and technology transfer to support developing nations disproportionately impacted by global warming.
The announcement was met with optimism by attendees, including diplomats and environmental experts, who praised Pakistan’s proactive stance. As the nation grapples with ranking among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, the CCA’s launch marks a pivotal step toward securing a greener future.
“This isn’t just policy it’s a pledge to our children,” Ahsan Iqbal concluded. “Pakistan will lead by example in the fight for our planet.”
