Pakistan’s Climate Policy and Governance: Challenges, Progress and Pathways for Low-Carbon Future

Abstract

Pakistan is among the list of most vulnerable countries to climate change. As its economy, society, and environment face severe risks from floods, droughts, and rising temperatures, with the 2022 floods displacing 33 million people and causing damages of 14.9 billion dollars, showing the scale of exposure to climate risks. This study reviews national policies on adaptation and mitigation, their alignment with global agreements, and the barriers that limit progress in sectors such as agriculture, water, health, infrastructure, energy, industry, transport, and forestry. Pakistan has introduced key frameworks such as the National Climate Change Adaptation Policy 2021 and the Nationally Determined Contribution 2021, while progress is visible in renewable energy projects, tree plantation drives, and community based adaptation efforts. Despite these steps, challenges remain as climate finance is less than 0.5 percent of GDP compared to the actual need of 2-3 percent. Furthermore, the responsibilities are divided among 17 institutions leading to weak coordination and time lapses. On the other hand provincial governments also lack technical capacity, monitoring systems, it track only 30 percent of projects, and access to international finance and technology is restricted. The study recommends stronger institutions, higher climate investment, better monitoring, wider community participation, regional cooperation, and private sector engagement, arguing that with reforms and global support Pakistan can build a resilient and low-carbon future.