ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti has called for a coordinated action to ensure a climate-resilient growth in the province.
Speaking at a conference titled “Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in Balochistan” organized by the Planning and Development Department of the Government of Balochistan here on Monday, he called for inclusive policies, investment in resilient infrastructure, and greater private-sector engagement to support the livelihoods and protect natural resources.
He also highlighted Balochistan’s acute climate vulnerabilities and the province’s determination to mainstream resilience into development planning. He emphasized the need for strong partnerships and evidence-driven solutions to safeguard communities and ecosystems. He also called for stronger public-private partnerships to ease fiscal pressure and accelerate the province’s transition toward clean energy and green development.
Romina Khurshid, Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate, underscored the federal government’s commitment to strengthening climate governance and enhancing provincial capacities. She reiterated that climate adaptation in Balochistan is vital not only for local resilience but also for Pakistan’s national climate goals.
Balochistan must be recognized as a frontline region in Pakistan’s climate resilience agenda, she said, and urged international partners to scale up investment in the province’s adaptation and sustainability initiatives. The coordinator underscored Pakistan’s acute exposure to climate shocks despite contributing less than one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, sayingBalochistan, comprising 44 percent of Pakistan’s territory and hosting the country’s longest coastline, sits at the “intersection of climate risk and climate opportunity”.
“Political will is an undervalued asset, but it is central to effective climate governance,” she added, stressing that cooperation across federal and provincial institutions, international donors, and local communities is essential to translate policy into action.
Reaffirming the federal government’s commitment under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Romina said Pakistan will push for enhanced climate diplomacy, equitable access to global financing, and targeted support for vulnerable regions such as Balochistan.
A high-level plenary titled “Partnerships for Climate Action” examined collaborative approaches for mitigation and adaptation. A technical presentation by the Ministry of Climate Change outlined major risks—such as drought, desertification, water scarcity, and disaster exposure—while panelists from development institutions emphasized the need for multi-sector coordination and long-term financing to scale climate priorities. Throughout the day, thematic sessions explored priority areas for sustainable development:
At a session titled “Climate Adaptation through Innovation and Technology,” showcased some emerging solutions, like climate-smart agriculture, solar-based energy applications, and tech-enabled systems for resilience. Presenters discussed scalable models suited to Balochistan’s geography, livelihoods, and institutional context.
The conference concluded with a presentation of key findings by Zahid Saleem, additional secretary of the Balochistan government, who outlined actionable pathways including policy alignment, institutional strengthening, climate finance mobilization, and data-driven decision-making.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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