Cleaner, Greener Pakistan: President’s Powerful Appeal on World Environment Day

On World Environment Day, President Asif Ali Zardari issued a compelling message calling on every citizen, organization, and public institution to unite for a Cleaner, Greener Pakistan. His statement stressed the urgent need for collective action to combat the worsening climate crisis in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.

President Zardari emphasized that the occasion serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the environment and ensure a livable planet for future generations.

“Let us work together to address climate change, protect biodiversity, and use our natural resources wisely and responsibly,” he urged.

Pakistan’s Climate Reality: Low Emissions, High Risk

Despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions, Pakistan bears a disproportionate burden of climate change. The nation faces recurring floods, severe droughts, glacial melt, and record-breaking heatwaves that displace millions and disrupt economic activity.

This imbalance, the President stated, reveals the need for global climate justice and strong international cooperation.

“Each year, we face devastating floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Yet our carbon footprint remains minimal,” he noted.

For a deeper understanding, refer to the United Nations Climate Reports which detail Pakistan’s climate vulnerability.

Mobilizing Climate Finance and International Support

Despite resource constraints, Pakistan is actively pursuing climate adaptation by combining national reforms with international funding and private sector investment. President Zardari highlighted several strategic financial instruments in place:

• $1.4 Billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) from the IMF: Supports reforms such as carbon levies, EV promotion, and energy efficiency.
• World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework (2026–2035): Focuses on flood resilience, renewable energy, air quality, and sustainable agriculture.
• 2024 Carbon Market Policy Guidelines: Designed to attract green private capital and bolster low-carbon development.

These initiatives align with Pakistan’s broader vision of economic transformation and climate resilience, known as Uraan Pakistan.

Sustainable Reforms and Policy Initiatives

The government has launched eco-forward reforms under the Uraan Pakistan roadmap:

Carbon Levy and EV Promotion

The IMF’s RSF supports a national carbon pricing mechanism, which encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices. This includes:

• Encouraging electric vehicle adoption
• Transitioning to renewable energy
• Reducing industrial emissions

Clean Air and Flood Resilience

Through the World Bank Partnership, Pakistan is improving:

• Air quality monitoring
• Disaster response infrastructure
• Sustainable agriculture to support rural livelihoods

Private Sector Engagement via Carbon Markets

The 2024 Carbon Market Policy Guidelines open avenues for:

• Green bonds
• Carbon credit trading
• Eco-investments from global firms

Related Read: Carbon Markets: A Tool for Sustainable Growth

Role of Citizens and Institutions in Climate Action

While acknowledging the government’s progress, President Zardari stressed that governments alone cannot solve the climate crisis.

He called for grassroots climate action, urging individuals and communities to:

• Reduce single-use plastics
• Plant trees and protect forests
• Recycle and manage waste responsibly
• Support eco-friendly policies

“Let us commit to taking small, everyday actions that make a big difference,” the President emphasized.

Watch: How Pakistan’s Youth Are Driving Green Change

Towards a Resilient Future: Uraan Pakistan

Uraan Pakistan isn’t just an environmental agenda — it’s a vision for economic resilience, social equity, and ecological sustainability. Through its implementation, the government aims to:

• Build flood-resilient infrastructure
• Enhance early warning systems
• Empower local climate heroes, especially in vulnerable areas like Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh Delta, and Balochistan

Explore more about local climate action from our article:
Youth-Led Climate Adaptation in Gilgit-Baltistan

Conclusion: A Shared Commitment to the Earth

President Zardari’s message on World Environment Day was more than ceremonial — it was a powerful appeal for unity and responsibility. As Pakistan battles the harsh impacts of climate change, it also models what climate leadership looks like in the Global South.

By integrating financial tools, policy frameworks, and public participation, the path to a Cleaner, Greener Pakistan is already underway. The challenge now is to keep up the momentum — collectively, inclusively, and urgently.

“Let us unite in our resolve. The earth is not inherited from our ancestors but borrowed from our children,” the President concluded.

Additional Resources

• Pakistan’s Climate Change Policy 2021 (Govt. PDF)
• World Bank Climate Action in Pakistan
• UNEP: World Environment Day Campaigns