ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday stressed the need for the Breathe Pakistan conference to serve as a strong call for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for the country’s next generations.
Addressing the event on its second day, the Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of predictable, flexible, and grant-based financial support for developing nations like Pakistan to build resilient infrastructure and drive sustainable development. “Without adequate assistance, achieving climate adaptation and a green transformation will remain a challenge,” he stated.
Despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions, Pakistan continues to experience the devastating effects of climate change, including floods, glacial melt, heatwaves, and droughts.
The second day of Breathe Pakistan brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the nation’s escalating climate crisis. With Pakistan facing extreme weather conditions, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, speakers underscored the urgency of immediate climate resilience measures.
Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability, stating, “Pakistan is at the forefront of climate change, suffering from a crisis largely caused by others.” She urged for the country to play an active role in shaping climate solutions rather than remaining a victim.
A key topic of discussion was the government’s revised Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, presented by Parliamentary Secretary Wajeeha Qamar, which outlined incentives aimed at promoting clean transportation and cutting emissions.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced a Rs100 billion allocation for climate resilience projects and Rs10 billion dedicated to smog control in Punjab. She also introduced a new initiative to collaborate with neighboring countries, including India, to combat transboundary air pollution. “Climate change transcends borders, and regional cooperation is essential,” she noted.
Another major focus was the Living Indus project, which environmental expert Aban Marker Kabraji described as a critical step toward safeguarding Pakistan’s water resources. She emphasized the need for long-term water conservation efforts to protect the Indus Basin.
UNICEF Representative Abdullah Fadil advocated for integrating climate education into school curriculums and suggested forming a national volunteer corps to engage youth in environmental action. “The challenge now is to transform conference discussions into large-scale, real-world initiatives,” he stressed.
As the conference progresses, the focus remains on translating pledges into action through green financing, regional cooperation, and technology-driven climate strategies.
