Pakistan steps up green industrialization efforts

February 26, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan is making significant strides toward green industrialization, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable manufacturing and regulatory enforcement to address environmental challenges.

The Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Romina Khurshid Alam, highlighted these efforts while addressing the UNCTAD & SPRC Green Industrialization Project, emphasizing the need to align industrial practices with global environmental standards.

She stressed the importance of transforming Pakistan’s industrial sector to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, according to the press release issued today.

She particularly highlighted the plastics sector, which contributes 15% to the national GDP and employs over 1.2 million people but faces challenges such as high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, excessive waste generation, and weak regulatory compliance.

To address these issues, she called for stronger regulatory enforcement and improved recycling practices based on circular economy principles, urging federal and provincial Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs) to play a proactive role.

At the core of Pakistan’s efforts is the development of the Green Industrialization Policy Framework under the UNCTAD & SPRC Green Industrialization Project.

This initiative aims to lower industrial GHG emissions, strengthen compliance with environmental regulations, promote cleaner production methods, and enhance commercial practices for a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.

The Ministry of Climate Change, in collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Industries & Production, Ministry of Commerce, Board of Investment, and Provincial Departments of Industries, is working to finalize the framework.

It aims to implement the framework at both national and provincial levels to ensure it is comprehensive and adaptable to the country’s diverse industrial landscape.

In addition to regulatory measures, the State Bank of Pakistan is advancing its Green Taxonomy initiative to mobilize green finance for sustainable manufacturing, a crucial step toward promoting environmentally friendly business practices and driving investments into sustainable industries.

Romina underscored that adopting green industrialization is key to meeting Pakistan’s climate and development goals, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

To further institutionalize these efforts, the Ministry of Climate Change is organizing a Policy Roundtable, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, academics, and civil society to discuss and advance green industrialization.

The Green Industrialization Policy Framework is set to become a blueprint for sustainable industrial growth, ensuring a competitive and resilient sector while paving the way for Pakistan to emerge as a global leader in green manufacturing.

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