PM forms committee to consult provinces on climate policy, carbon credits

(Web Desk) – On Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif established a committee to consult with provinces on policy-making guidelines for carbon credits.

“Our challenges regarding climate change are escalating with each passing day,” the premier stated while presided over the third meeting of the Pakistan Council for Climate Change.

Shehbaz emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal and provincial governments in developing climate change policies, adding that without provinces’ input on all issues, climate change policymaking would be unworkable.

During the meeting, participants engaged in comprehensive discussions about policy rules for foreign trade in carbon credits.

PM Shehbaz directed that a policy draft be presented at the next council meeting following consultation with the provinces.

The chief ministers of the four provinces voiced their views on policy and made recommendations.

The prime minister emphasized the need of gaining the confidence of provinces and other stakeholders in this key climate change policy draft.

Shehbaz emphasized Pakistan’s vulnerability to the negative effects of climate change, citing the terrible implications of the 2022 rains and following floods.

He detailed flood relief and restoration efforts, as well as Pakistan’s global activism on climate change.

Shehbaz recognized the achievements of Ahsan Iqbal, Sherry Rehman, relevant institutions, ministries, and the international community in assisting Pakistan during difficult times.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Ahad Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, the Prime Minister’s Climate Change Coordinator Romina Khurshid Alam, top officers, and specialists from the public and private sectors.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister, the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister, and the provinces’ chief ministers all took part via video link.