KP Government’s Commitment to Combating Climate Crisis Breathe Pakistan

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling climate Crisis by introducing sustainable initiatives and actively participating in the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference. Organized by DawnMedia in Islamabad from February 6–7, this high-profile event brought together policymakers, climate experts, and industry leaders to address Pakistan’s growing environmental challenges.

A Pledge for a Sustainable Future

Chief Minister of KP, Ali Amin Gandapur, graced the event with his presence, highlighting the province’s dedication to green policies, climate resilience, and innovative environmental strategies. Stressing the importance of collective action, he stated, “DawnMedia’s Breathe Pakistan International Climate Crisis Conference is a commendable initiative that unites global leaders, experts, and innovators to identify climate challenges and formulate effective solutions. I am optimistic that this conference will yield meaningful strategies to address these pressing concerns.”

Gandapur underscored that climate change is a priority for the KP government, which has been implementing a comprehensive strategy to mitigate its risks. The province’s globally recognized Billion Tree Afforestation Project has significantly increased KP’s forest cover to 26.7% of the total area, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Green Energy and Climate Resilience Initiatives

Apart from afforestation, the KP government is taking a multi-faceted approach to green energy. Several key initiatives were highlighted at the conference:

• Hydropower Generation: Expanding renewable energy resources to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
• Solarization Projects: Implementing solar energy solutions across mosques, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, government buildings, and households to promote clean energy usage.
• Modernization of Brick Kilns: Transitioning to zigzag technology to curb emissions and improve air quality.
• Electric Vehicle Policy: Encouraging sustainable transportation solutions to reduce carbon footprints.
• Air Quality Monitoring Stations: Establishing monitoring centers across all divisional headquarters to track and manage pollution levels.
• Industrial Emission Control: Introducing smoke emission monitoring systems in industrial units to regulate air pollution.
• Mining Sector Reforms: Implementing mechanical mining systems to reduce environmental degradation.
• Digitization of Vehicle Fitness Certification: Ensuring eco-friendly and roadworthy vehicles through an advanced certification process.

The Chief Minister also announced the finalization of a high-powered task force dedicated to implementing an action plan aimed at improving KP’s air quality index.

Breathe Pakistan: A Collaborative Approach to Climate Action

Held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, the Breathe Pakistan conference featured 15 engaging sessions with over 90 speakers from 11 countries, including representatives from the United Nations, the World Bank, and Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change. Experts from the South Asian region—India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka—also participated, sharing insights on climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

The conference fostered essential dialogue between government officials, climate advocates, and the corporate sector to formulate policies addressing Pakistan’s climate crisis while ensuring economic stability.

Climate Change Challenges in KP

KP remains one of the most climate-sensitive provinces in Pakistan, facing numerous environmental challenges:

1. Health Risks: Over 8 million people in KP are vulnerable to climate-induced health complications.
2. Flood Vulnerability: In July 2024, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) identified 11 districts as highly susceptible to severe flooding.
3. Extreme Weather Events: Unprecedented monsoon rains from July to August 2024 resulted in 24 fatalities and 17 injuries, highlighting changing weather patterns.
4. Landslides: Heavy snowfall and torrential rains in March 2024 disrupted transportation routes, particularly along the Karakoram Highway.

Recognizing these challenges, the KP government has developed a Provincial Climate Change Policy aligned with the National Climate Change Policy. This framework focuses on climate adaptation, mitigation, and public awareness to foster resilience across all sectors.

A Roadmap for the Future

KP’s Climate Change Action Plan lays out a comprehensive roadmap for combating climate-induced disasters. By mobilizing government departments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders, the plan aims to mitigate natural calamities and build a climate-resilient future.

DawnMedia’s Breathe Pakistan initiative plays a crucial role in amplifying climate awareness, fostering dialogue, and driving action. By engaging leaders, experts, and innovators, the conference serves as a catalyst for transformative policies that safeguard vulnerable communities, particularly the poor, women, and children, from the devastating impacts of climate change.

As the KP government continues to spearhead progressive environmental policies, its unwavering commitment to sustainability underscores a promising future for a greener, healthier Pakistan.

This content is produced in paid partnership with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government.