Pakistan Advocates Climate Justice, Eyes Renewable Transition
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan has joined a coalition of climate-vulnerable nations advocating for a global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, aimed at an equitable transition away from coal, oil, and gas.
The proposed treaty, designed to complement the Paris Agreement, stresses financial and technological support for developing nations to ensure a just energy transition.
Ranked among the top ten countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Pakistan is the first South Asian country to engage with this initiative.
It seeks to address severe climate challenges, such as catastrophic flooding and rising temperatures, while urging wealthier nations to lead the global energy transition, according to an official press release.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for climate justice during COP29, calling for greater international support to build resilience and sustainability in vulnerable nations facing escalating environmental threats.
At home, Pakistan has been taking concrete steps to foster environmental sustainability. The government introduced the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy, aiming to transition 30% of all new vehicles both imported and locally manufactured to electric power by 2030.
With a subsidy package of PKR 4 billion, the policy is designed to encourage EV adoption while incorporating a range of technologies.
The National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (NEECA) reports that the transport sector accounts for 30 percent of Pakistan’s total energy consumption, costing approximately $1.3 billion monthly and putting significant pressure on the economy and foreign exchange reserves.
Environmentalists and industry experts consider the NEV Policy a potential game changer, with the promise of reducing Pakistan’s chronic air pollution issues, including the persistent smog in urban centers. The widespread adoption of EVs is expected to lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and enhance public health.
The policy also aims to drive innovation and modernization in Pakistan’s automobile sector. Local EV manufacturing is anticipated to boost the economy, create jobs, and offer consumers access to modern vehicle models, moving away from reliance on outdated imports.
While government subsidies are a step forward, experts suggest additional measures such as tax breaks and low-interest financing to make EVs more affordable for a broader population. Such efforts would amplify Pakistan’s role in global climate justice and environmental protection.
