Change for Climate: Why Pakistan Needs a Radical Policy Shift Now

Change for climate is urgent. Pakistan must make a radical policy shift to mitigate climate change and ensure its survival amidst growing environmental challenges.

2 minutes read

Climate change is no longer a distant threat for Pakistan—it’s a daily crisis. From deadly floods to prolonged droughts, the impacts are devastating lives, destroying agriculture, and threatening national survival. A radical policy shift is no longer optional; it is essential.

This article explores why a change for climate must become Pakistan’s top national priority—beginning with leadership, agriculture, urban planning, and economic reform.

In a rare public acknowledgment, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb declared climate change and population growth as existential threats to Pakistan. While his words were timely, the country awaits decisive climate-focused policy changes to follow.

“Without urgent climate action, Pakistan’s future is at stake,” Aurangzeb emphasized.

From 2022’s catastrophic floods to increasing desertification, Pakistan ranks among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries, according to the Global Climate Risk Index.

The Agricultural Sector in Crisis

Agriculture—employing nearly 40% of Pakistan’s workforce—has been the most immediate victim of climate inaction. Recurring droughts, unpredictable rainfall, and policy blunders have left the sector crippled.

Recent Policy Missteps:

In early 2024, Punjab’s government withdrew the wheat procurement price of Rs3900/maund, forcing farmers to sell at massive losses.
Deforestation and erosion have worsened flood impacts, notably the 2022 disaster.
Rain-fed wheat crops underperformed due to low rainfall, while irrigated areas saw a spike in energy costs due to tubewell dependence.

Consequences:

Decreased wheat production.
Farmer bankruptcies.
Higher food insecurity and inflation.

Urban Projects vs Environmental Priorities

While rural Pakistan drowns in crisis, urban fantasies dominate national planning.

Case in Point: The Glass-Covered Train

A new proposal for a glass-roof train line from Rawalpindi to Murree is being hailed as a tourist innovation. However, critics argue it’s a tone-deaf project amid Pakistan’s climate emergency.

Misguided Priorities:

Focus on motorways instead of renewable infrastructure.
Lack of investment in green public transport or urban forestation.
No accountability for the environmental cost of luxury developments.

Such policies reflect a disconnect between grassroots realities and leadership vision.

Radical Policy Actions Pakistan Must Take

To trigger a meaningful change for climate, Pakistan must pursue structural and cultural transformation across all sectors.

Recommended Policy Shifts:

1. Revive and Reinforce Agriculture:

Implement climate-resilient farming methods.
Restore wheat support prices.
Reforest deforested lands and prevent further illegal logging.

2. Invest in Water Management:

Build rainwater harvesting systems.
Upgrade irrigation with solar-powered pumps.
Launch nationwide canal desilting campaigns.

3. Stop Wasteful Government Spending:

Freeze non-essential discretionary funds to MNAs and MPAs.
Audit and reallocate funds towards climate defense.

4. Rethink Urban Development:

Cancel unsustainable projects like the glass-roof train.
Create green spaces in all urban centers.
Enforce environmental impact assessments (EIA) before approvals.

5. Promote Renewable Energy:

Subsidize solar panel installations.
Encourage wind and hydropower projects.
Offer tax incentives for green businesses.

6. Raise Public Awareness:

Launch climate education in schools.
Encourage media campaigns on sustainable living.

Conclusion: Time for a Change for Climate

Pakistan’s path forward must include a whole-of-society approach that puts climate action at the heart of national policy. Without a change for climate, the country will remain on a collision course with environmental, economic, and social collapse.

Change for Climate: Why Pakistan Needs a Radical Policy Shift Now

Change for climate is urgent. Pakistan must make a radical policy shift to mitigate climate change and ensure its survival amidst growing environmental challenges.