ASSESSING POLICIES OF PAKISTAN TOWARDS CLIMATE CHANGE: PROSPECTS & CHALLENGES

Abstract

Being a great threat, climate change poses a threat to the economy, environment and social stability of Pakistan as well. It has a list of climate related issues prevalent in Pakistan too; including climate related extreme weather phenomena, water scarcity and declining agricultural productivity due to melting of glacial. In response, Pakistan has formulated policies such as the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) and the Climate Change Act of 2017 as well as undertakings as a state party to international treaties including the Paris Agreement. The existence of the gap in policy formulation and implementation is larger as a result of different governance issues, lack of funding and the institutional fragmentation. Secondly, this research evaluates Pakistan’s climate policies effectiveness and argues which are the main obstacles that prevent their effectiveness. However, increased budget allocated does not cover the 1 percent of GDP recommended and project delays, underfinancing are experienced. In addition, there is also very little awareness among the public, so there is also no grassroots support. It also compares Pakistan’s behind-the-scenes climate policy implementation with its regional neighbors, Bangladesh and India. The recommendation of this research is for more institutional coordination, more investment in finances, and greater public engagement as well as implementation of best practices of regional neighbors. To Pakistan’s long-term climate resilience, prominent priority is to enhance climate governance and financial sustainability.