Pakistan shifts to climate responsive economic planning

November 06, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan has reaffirmed its resolve to align national economic and fiscal policies with climate resilience and sustainability, as highlighted during the Sustainable Development Conference 2025 organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

Delivering the keynote address as Chief Guest at the session titled “Rewiring Economic and Fiscal Planning for Climate Prosperity,” H.E. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, described climate change as the defining economic and fiscal reality of our time.

He noted that despite Pakistan’s minimal contribution to global emissions, the country remains among the most climate-vulnerable nations. Referring to the catastrophic floods that caused extensive damage, he termed the event “not merely a climate crisis, but a national economic emergency.”

The Coordinator highlighted Pakistan’s first-ever climate-responsive Federal Budget, which integrates environmental considerations into key sectors of the economy.

He outlined major initiatives aimed at expanding renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and strengthening resilience against climate shocks.

Mr. Khan also visited the conference’s sustainability exhibition, engaging with innovators and organizations showcasing green technologies and sustainable practices.

He commended their contributions to Pakistan’s green transition and discussed opportunities to scale up climate-smart industrial and infrastructure development.

The conference reaffirmed that Pakistan’s future prosperity depends on building a green, inclusive and adaptive economy. Mr. Khan emphasized that addressing climate change requires policy innovation and collective action from the government, private sector, and civil society to secure a sustainable future for the nation.

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