BALOCHISTAN

CLIMATE CHANGE
POLICY
JUNE 2024
Consultants: Hamid Sarfraz, Asad Mahmood, Dr. Hameed Jamali and Irfan Tariq

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Acknowledgment
This product was developed under UNDP’s Climate Promise, with generous funding from
the governments of Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Iceland,
the Netherlands, Portugal and other UNDP’s core contributors, and it underpins UNDP’s
contribution to the NDC Partnership.

Disclaimer
The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily
represent those of the United Nations, including the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP), donor agencies or the UN Member States.

© 2024, Government of Balochistan and United Nations Development Programme

Cover Photo: UNDP Pakistan

i Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2
1.1. Geopolitical and Economic Context of Balochistan 2
1.2. Current Climate Trends and Projections 4
1.3. Vulnerable Sectors and Communities 7

2. Policy Framework 9
2.1. Aim and Objectives of the Policy 9
2.2. Alignment with National and International Climate, and Environmental Justice Agenda 10
2.3. Guiding Principles for Climate Action 12

3. Adaptation Strategies 13
3.1. Agriculture and Livestock 13
3.2. Water Resources 13
3.3. Vulnerable Ecosystems 13
3.3.1. Coastal and Marine Ecosystems 14
3.3.2. Forests, Rangelands, Biodiversity and Wildlife 14
3.3.3. Mountains, Deserts, Arid and Semi-arid Areas 14
3.4. Disaster Risk Management 14
3.5. Urban Planning and Development 14
3.5.1. Climate-Induced Migration 15
3.6. Human Health 15
3.7. Mining and Mineral Resources 15

4. Mitigation Strategies 16
4.1. Energy 17
4.2. Transportation 17
4.3. Industry 18
4.4. Agriculture 18
4.5. Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) 18
4.6. Blue Carbon 19
4.7. Waste 19
4.8. Cross-Sectoral Approaches 19

5. Cross-Cutting Themes 20
5.1. Mainstreaming Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability into Development Planning 20
5.2. Public Sector’s Roles and Responsibilities 21
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 ii

5.3. Gender, Disability, Youth and Social Inclusion 22

5.3.1. Gender Dimensions 22
5.3.2. Disability Dimensions 23
5.3.3. Youth Dimensions 24
5.4. Just Transition and Green Jobs 24
5.5. Capacity Building and Awareness-Raising 24

6. Policy Implementation 26
6.1. Policy Governance 26
6.1.1. B4C Composition 26
6.1.2. B4C Mandate 27
6.2. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 28
6.2.1. Framework for Tracking Policy Implementation and Impact 28
6.2.2. Progress Reporting Mechanism 29
6.2.3. Performance Indicators 29

7. Priority Sectors and Guidelines for Climate Resilient Development 32

7.1. Adaptation 32
7.1.1. Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries 32
7.1.2. Forests, Rangelands, Biodiversity and Wildlife 34
7.1.3. Water Resources 35
7.1.4. Coastal and Marine Ecosystems 36
7.1.5. Mountains, Deserts, Arid and Semi-Arid Areas 37
7.1.6. Mining and Mineral Resources 37
7.1.7. Urban Planning and Development 38
7.1.8. Human Health 38
7.1.9. Disaster Risk Management 39
7.2. Mitigation 39
7.2.1. Energy 39
7.2.2. Transportation 40
7.2.3. Agriculture 42
7.2.4. Industrial Processes 42
7.2.5. Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) 43
7.2.6. Waste 43
7.2.7. Urban Planning 44

8. BCCP Priority Action Plan 45

9. Balochistan’s Climate Finance Requirements 58

10. Climate Finance Opportunities for Balochistan 60

10.1. Bilateral and Multilateral Climate Finance Windows 62
10.1.1. Green Climate Fund 62
10.1.2. Adaptation Fund 62
iii Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

10.1.3. Global Environment Facility (GEF) 62

10.1.4. Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) 62
10.1.5. Bilateral and Other Sources of Climate Financing 63
10.2. Public Sector Investments 66
10.3. Balochistan Climate Change Fund 67
10.4. Private Sector Investments 67
10.4.1. Green Bonds 67
10.4.2. Blue Bonds 68
10.4.3. Sustainability Bonds 68
10.4.4. Nature Performance Bonds 68
10.4.5. Green Banking Instruments 69
10.5. Innovative Climate Financing 69
10.6. Windfall Opportunities 69
10.6.1. China Pakistan Economic Corridor 70
10.6.2. TAPI Gas Pipeline 70
10.6.3. Extractive Industry 70
10.7. Way Forward on BCCP Financing 71

FIGURES
Figure 1: Pakistan’s GHG Emissions (2018) 16
Figure 2: Sectoral Requirement for BCCP Implementation (PKR in billions) 59
Figure 3: Global Climate Finance Flows 2021-2022 60
Figure 4: Pakistan’s Climate Finance Sourcing (2021) 61
Figure 5: Balochistan’s Share in Federal Divisible Pool and Straight Transfers 66
Figure 6: Public Sector Development Programme 66
Figure 7: Green Bonds Usage and Composition 68

MAPS
Map 1: Balochistan’s Administrative Divisions and Districts 2
Map 2: Balochistan’s Road Network 3
Map 3: Balochistan’s Flood Vulnerability 5
Map 4: Sea Intrusion in Balochistan 6
Map 5: Balochistan’s Landcover 33

TABLES
Table 1: Thematic Focus of Bilateral and Multilateral Development Partners in Balochistan 64

ANNEXES
Annex 1: Pakistan Long-Term Vision 72
Annex 2: Documents Reviewed 74
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 iv

Acronyms and Glossary

B-PPRA Balochistan Public Procurement Regulatory Authority

B4C Balochistan Climate Change Coordination Committee

BCCF Balochistan Climate Change Fund

BCCP Balochistan Climate Change Policy

BCDGS Balochistan Comprehensive Development and Growth Strategy 2021-2026

BoD Board of Directors

BRI [China's] Belt and Road Initiative

CBD UN Convention on Biodiversity

CC&ED Climate Change & Environment Department

ccGAP Climate Change Gender Action Plan

CPEC China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

CPEIR Climate Public Expenditure and Institutional Review

DDMAs District Disaster Management Authorities

DRM disaster risk management

FWD Forest & Wildlife Department

GBV gender-based violence

GCF Green Climate Fund

GDA Gwadar Development Authority

GHG Greenhouse Gas

GIEDA Gwadar Industrial Estate Development Authority

GoB Government of Balochistan

ICT information and communication technology

IPCC International Panel on Climate Change

IWRM Integrated Water Resource Management

Khushkaba Rainfed Farming

km Kilometre

L&DDD Livestock & Dairy Development Department

LG&RDD Local Government & Rural Development Department

v Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

LT-LEDS Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy

LUAWMS Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & Marine Sciences

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation

MoCC&EC Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination

MtCO2e Million Tonnes of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent

NAP National Adaptation Plan

NbS Nature-Based Solutions

NDCs Nationally Determined Contributions

P&DD Planning and Development Department

PBS Pakistan Bureau of Statistics

PDMA Provincial Disaster Management Authority [Balochistan]

PHED Public Health Engineering Department

PMD Pakistan Meteorological Department

PMSA Pakistan Maritime Security Agency

A process moderated by UNFCCC which supports countries' efforts to reduce

REDD+ emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and foster conservation,
sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

Sailaba Runoff Farming

SRHR Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

UN United Nations

UNCCD UN Convention to Combat Desertification

UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

WASH Water, Sanitation, And Hygiene

 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 1

Part - A

Balochistan
Climate Change Policy
2 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

1. Introduction

1.1. Geopolitical and Economic Context of Balochistan percent of the nation’s total population out of which ≈69
percent lives in rural areas.1 It shares borders with Iran to
The geopolitical context of Balochistan province in
the west and Afghanistan to the north. Its geostrategic
Pakistan is complex and multifaceted, shaped by a
significance stems from its proximity to the Arabian Sea
combination of historical, strategic, and ethnic factors.
and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province in terms of land
through which approximately 20-30 percent of the
area, covers approximately 43.6 percent of Pakistan’s
world’s oil supply flows.2 This geographical position has
total land area and is situated in the southwestern part
made Balochistan a focal point for regional and global
of the country (Map 1). Conversely, it holds the distinction
powers, as control over the province offers leverage in
of being the least populous province, accounting for ≈6.2
shaping the dynamics of the broader region.

Map 1: Balochistan’s Administrative Divisions and Districts

1. According to 2023 Population Census, total population of the province was 14,894,402 individuals living in 2,318,519 houses and
growing at 3.2% per annum. Out of total population, 10,282,574 live in rural areas and 4,611,828 live in urban areas. Sex disaggregated
data for the 2023 Census is not yet available. According to 2017 Census, women constituted 47.43% of the total population while only
780 transgenders were enumerated in Balochistan.
Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics: Announcement of Results of 7th Population and Housing Census-2023 ‘The Digital Census’
(https://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/population/2023/Pakistan.pdf). Accessed: 5 Oct 2023.
2. Strauss Center: Strait of Hormuz (https://www.strausscenter.org/strait-of-hormuz-about-the-strait/#:~:text=The%20Strait%20is%20
among%20the,such%20as%20pipelines%2C%20are%20limited). Accessed: 2 Oct 2023.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 3

Connectivity assumes a paramount strategic significance Despite some limited expansions in the road network
in the context of Balochistan, given its geographical (Map 2) in the past, the overall road density in Balochistan
remoteness both from the vital artery of the river Indus, remains markedly deficient, standing at a mere 0.09
which serves as a lifeline for the nation, and the national kilometre (km) per km2—significantly lower than national
trade and economic corridor that runs parallel to the Indus. and provincial averages in Pakistan. Hence, Balochistan’s
As a result, Balochistan finds itself somewhat isolated from strategic location has made it a focus of China’s Belt
these two pivotal drivers of economic growth within the and Road Initiative (BRI). The China-Pakistan Economic
country. This isolation has historically hindered Balochistan Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the BRI, passes
from fully harnessing the potential benefits of its substantial through Balochistan, covering approximately 2,000
hydrocarbon resources, primarily due to the considerable km and linking the southwestern Chinese province of
distances involved. This same challenge now looms large Xinjiang to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.
over the prospects of the Gwadar port’s development and
the exploitation of Balochistan’s mineral wealth.3

Map 2: Balochistan’s Road Network

3. Government of Balochistan. 2023. Balochistan Comprehensive Development and Growth Strategy 2021-2026. Quetta: Planning &
Development Department, GoB, and UNDP.
4 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Economically, over the last two decades, the Balochistan’s 1.2. Current Climate Trends and Projections
Gross Provincial Product (GPP) growth remained between
Climate vulnerability in Balochistan is a pressing
3.3-3.5 percent, primarily owing to dismal performance
concern in the context of contemporary climate
of the agriculture and commodity producing sectors.
change. This vulnerability arises from a convergence of
However, growth in the electricity, gas and transport
geographical, climatological, and socio-economic factors
sectors has been spectacular with an average growth
that heighten the region’s susceptibility to adverse
of 32 percent in the same period.4 The multidimensional
climate impacts. Balochistan’s topographical layout and
poverty in Balochistan was highest with multidimensional
climatic conditions predispose it to water scarcity, with
poverty index (MPI) score of 71.2 percent in 2015 (with
fluctuations in precipitation patterns and increased
even higher scorer of 84.6 percent in the rural areas)
evaporation rates playing significant roles in exacerbating
compared to the national MPI score of 38.8 percent.5
water stress. Elevated temperatures further compound
Politically, Balochistan suffers from underrepresentation
this vulnerability, leading to more frequent and intense
at the national decision-making and receives lower
heatwaves that challenge the region’s adaptive capacity.
development budget allocations despite higher cost of
Climate change is widely characterised as a ‘threat
delivery due to low population density. Balochistan also
multiplier’ denoting its multi-faceted adverse implications
ranks at the bottom in Pakistan in terms of women’s social
across key sectors and population segments.
and economic inclusion, with women’s employment
at a meagre eight percent and financial inclusion at 13 The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of Balochistan’s
percent. While Pakistan now has the fifth highest number economy, faces notable vulnerabilities. Climate change-
of registered voters in the world, Balochistan remains the induced shifts in rainfall patterns and temperature
only region where the overall gender gap remains above variations have substantial impacts on crop yields,
10 percent. The province has the lowest overall literacy
6 disrupting established agricultural practices and posing
rates in Pakistan, with literacy rates for girls and women threats to food security. Coastal regions, such as Gwadar,
even lower. Only 19 percent of them have completed are particularly affected by sea-level rise and coastal
primary school,7 which exacerbates their vulnerability erosion. Balochistan is also susceptible to extreme
to abuse, domestic violence, and child marriage. This weather events, including cyclones, storms, and flash
further undermines the efforts to alleviate poverty in floods, which increase risks to human lives, disrupt
Balochistan. infrastructure, and necessitate heightened preparedness
and resilience strategies. These climatic shifts directly
Balochistan’s geopolitical dynamics, therefore, involve
impact livelihoods, including herding, farming, and
a delicate balance between economic development,
fishing, potentially resulting in adverse socio-economic
security concerns, and ethnic aspirations, making it
consequences.
a critical area to watch in South Asia’s ever-evolving
geopolitical landscape.

4. Government of Balochistan. 2023. Balochistan Comprehensive Development and Growth Strategy 2021-2026. Quetta: Planning &
Development Department, GoB, and UNDP.
5. Government of Pakistan. 2016. Multidimensional Poverty in Pakistan. Islamabad: Ministry of Planning, Development & Reform, GoP,
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative and UNDP Pakistan.
6. Pakistan has fifth-highest number of registered voters in world: report. Dawn. https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailImage.
php?StoryImage=01_02_2024_151_008. Accessed: 29 Jun 2024.
7. GIWPS: Consistently low rates of women’s inclusion across Pakistan’s provinces (https://giwps.georgetown.edu/index-story/
consistently-low-rates-of-womens-inclusion-across-pakistans-provinces/). Accessed: 29 Jun 2024.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 5

Droughts are a characteristic and recurrent climatic summer and winter droughts. North-western Balochistan
event in Balochistan. While the province has experienced frequently experiences moderate to severe winter
several prolonged drought spells, the extended dry droughts due to varying annual intensities of westerly
periods observed from 1995 to 2018 represent the most disturbances, while summer droughts are linked to
severe and protracted arid conditions. In January 2019, deficient monsoon precipitation, particularly common in
1.8 million in Balochistan were impacted by moderate north-eastern and eastern Balochistan.
to severe droughts when annual precipitation dropped
The 2022 floods highlighted the deep climatic
by 24.4 percent relative to the expected rainfall.8 These
vulnerabilities in Balochistan (Map 3), with damages
droughts have led to a significant scarcity of water,
accounting for 15 percent of the recovery and
profoundly affecting local livelihood activities and the
reconstruction needs. Balochistan experienced
environment. Regions notably impacted by recurring
unprecedented levels of rainfall, surpassing typical
droughts include Kalat, Chagai, Naukundi, and Zhob
monthly averages by sevenfold. Research attributes
within the province. Furthermore, the use of precipitation
these extreme precipitation events to climate warming
data to quantify meteorological droughts reveals that
of estimated 1.2°C, resulting in approximately 75 percent
various areas of Balochistan experience short-term
more intense five-day rainfall.

Map 3: Balochistan’s Flood Vulnerability

8. WB. 2022. Pakistan: Country Climate and Development Report. Washington, DC: The World Bank Group.
6 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Sea-level rise along the Balochistan coastline is a 52°C, occurred in Turbat in 2017. An increase in the
recognised phenomenon driven primarily by thermal frequency of heatwave events is expected toward the
expansion of seawater due to rising global temperatures end of the century, affecting multiple provinces, including
and accelerated melting of polar ice caps and glaciers. Balochistan. In addition to the human health hazard, the
The consequences include coastal erosion, increased heatwaves can also exacerbate incidence of forest fires,
estuarine salinity, and submersion of low-lying areas, like the one in 2022 which engulfed millions (40%) of
posing significant threats to critical infrastructure like trees in the Koh-e-Sulaiman Range in Sherani District.
ports and coastal roads (Map 4). This necessitates
With global warming continuing, Balochistan’s climatic
strategic adaptation and mitigation measures to enhance
threats are likely to intensify. High temperatures may
resilience against this climatic impact.
exacerbate drought conditions and worsen heatwaves,
Heatwaves are increasingly problematic in Balochistan, while erratic rainfall patterns can influence hydrological
particularly during summers, with cities like Turbat and extremes of droughts and floods. Urgent and targeted
Sibi experiencing exceptionally high temperatures. The measures are needed to address the adverse effects of
highest-ever recorded temperature in Pakistan, reaching this increasingly challenging climate scenario.

Map 4: Sea Intrusion in Balochistan

 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 7

1.3. Vulnerable Sectors and Communities unpredictability of weather patterns disrupts their
preparatory measures. Specifically, farmers have
Climate change has brought about significant alterations
witnessed changes in traditional rainfall patterns
in the environmental conditions of Balochistan, thereby
characterised by shortened rainy periods, intermittent dry
posing substantial threats to critical sectors in the region.
spells during rainy seasons, an early onset of rains, and
These sectors encompass agriculture, water resources,
an overall reduction in average rainfall. These erratic and
public health, infrastructure, and coastal areas. A
constant shifts have rendered it increasingly challenging
comprehensive understanding of the vulnerabilities
for farmers to accurately anticipate and forecast rainfall,
inherent in each sector is imperative for the formulation
thus complicating agricultural planning and management.
and execution of informed adaptation and resilience
Agriculture is the mainstay of Balochistan’s economy and
measures. These measures should align with sustainable
women actively participate in agricultural activities along
development objectives and work towards bolstering
with their family members. Hence, any impact of climate
the overall resilience of Balochistan in the face of a
change on agriculture affects the women as well.
shifting climate. Furthermore, while disasters endanger
everyone, they tend to have a disproportionate effect on The recurrent droughts have not only negatively
the most vulnerable, especially women, youth, people impacted crop yields but have also significantly hindered
with disabilities and other minorities. Statistics appear rangeland productivity. The persistent pressure stemming
alarming as women and children are 14 times more from overgrazing and fuelwood extraction in sparsely
likely to die than men. This disparity in the vulnerability
9
vegetated areas, combined with a shift in agricultural
to disaster risks is rooted primarily in geographic, composition towards minor crops, has exacerbated
economic, social, educational/informational, and political the strain on the region’s ecosystems. Balochistan’s
power imbalances across all levels. For instance; women agricultural sector heavily relies on groundwater sourced
tend to live and work closely with natural resources through tube wells. However, this dependence has been
and geographical features that are most affected by significantly disrupted due to recurring droughts and
disasters and climatic shocks; socio-cultural norms excessive aquifer exploitation. An alarming 70 percent
may cause restrictions in mobility to escape disasters of Balochistan’s farmers grapple with the severe issue
(particularly water-related hazards); women have lower of inadequate access to a consistent water supply, be it
levels of access to economic resources in general, and from canals or minor irrigation schemes. The decline in
in particular, lower levels of education and information groundwater levels has rendered the karez system non-
to access, read and act upon disaster warnings. These functional, profoundly affecting community livelihoods,
factors make women and girls more vulnerable and especially in rural areas. Consequently, communities are
disproportionately affected by natural disasters, thereby left dependent either on erratic rainfall or the extraction
diminishing security. of groundwater through tube wells. This predicament
is further compounded by the absence of rainwater
Analyses of climate data and agricultural production have
harvesting systems, inefficient irrigation practices, and
unveiled a moderate variability in mean temperatures
a prevailing focus among farmers on cultivating water-
coupled with erratic changes in annual precipitation
intensive crops. Water scarcity in Balochistan is poised to
patterns. These climatic shifts exert considerable
intensify soon due to urbanisation and climate changes.
influence on agricultural yields, leading to a consistent
This collective scenario underscores the urgent need for
decline in production over time. Over the past two
comprehensive water management strategies and the
decades, farmers have observed discernible alterations
adoption of climate-smart technology.
in rainfall patterns and temperature dynamics. The

9. UNDP: Women are hit hardest in disasters, so why are responses too often gender-blind? (https://www.undp.org/blog/women-are-hit-
hardest-disasters-so-why-are-responses-too-often-gender-blind). Accessed: 29 Jun 2024.
8 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Given its high degree of sensitivity and notably low highest absolute numbers of disaster displacements,
adaptive capacity to the impacts of climate change, i.e., approximately 8.2 million.10 It gives some idea of
Balochistan’s healthcare sector faces a range of potential the climate migrants in Balochistan. Their long-term
health repercussions. These include heightened risks of migration gives rise to local conflicts over resource use.
food insecurity and malnutrition due to adverse effects Earlier, around two million Afghan refugees were living in
on agricultural productivity. Additionally, drought stress different parts of Balochistan including Quetta, Nushki,
and floodwater contamination create breeding grounds Sibi, and contiguous districts causing resource conflicts.
for pathogens in water bodies. The quality of water in Their resource use, and consequent contribution to
Balochistan, as assessed through physicochemical and climate challenges remains undocumented in most
microbiological parameters, falls below satisfactory levels. cases.
Across most districts, contamination by microorganisms
Furthermore, the rising sea levels pose a critical and
has been identified, posing significant health risks.
escalating threat, exerting substantial pressure on coastal
These contaminated water sources have been linked
regions, and resulting in transformative impacts on their
to the transmission of diseases such as gastroenteritis,
environmental dynamics. Flood events, particularly
Cryptosporidium infection, intestinal worms, giardiasis,
pronounced in coastal areas like Pasni, Gwadar, and
and typhoid. The Cholera outbreak during the 2022
Sonmiani, present significant risks to both the natural
floods in Balochistan serves as a stark example of these
and built environment. This encompasses potential
challenges. The outbreak spread rapidly, claiming lives,
damage to agricultural yields, residential structures, and
as healthcare facilities remained inadequately equipped
essential water delivery infrastructure, further stressing
to respond effectively. This precarious situation
the overstretched social safety networks, and increasing
necessitates urgent and comprehensive measures to
the vulnerability of the most marginalised segments
ensure the provision of safe and clean drinking water
of society, particularly women, children, persons with
to safeguard public health and mitigate the prevalence
disabilities and the elderly as well as a major segment
of waterborne diseases. Addressing these health
of the poor population. In other words, the poor and
challenges is paramount to ensure the well-being and
the most vulnerable are likely to live under conditions
resilience of the population in the face of a changing
that make them less capable to survive and recover
climate.
from a disaster. Effectively addressing these challenges
In the recent years, Balochistan has witnessed influx of demands a scientifically informed, gender-responsive
climate migrants who were forced to leave their houses and proactive approach aimed at enhancing resilience
because of climate induced disasters, like floods and and promoting sustainable development in vulnerable
droughts. In 2022 alone, Pakistan experienced the coastal zones.

10. IOM, 2024. World Migration Report 2024. Geneva: International Organisation for Migration.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 9

2. Policy Framework

The Balochistan Climate Change Policy (BCCP) resources and focuses on sustainable resource
provides broader contours of the commitment by the management practices to ensure these assets
Government of Balochistan (GoB) towards a climate are not depleted or harmed by climate change.
resilient Balochistan ensuring a dynamic approach This could involve stricter regulations on resource
toward adaptation and mitigation actions through active extraction and the promotion of sustainable marine
engagement of all relevant stakeholders. and inland fishing practices.

• Water Resource Management: Balochistan faces

2.1. Aim and Objectives of the Policy
acute water scarcity issues. The Policy outlines
The BCCP aims to address the unique challenges and strategies for efficient water use, rainwater harvesting,
vulnerabilities that Balochistan faces due to climate and the rehabilitation of water storage infrastructure.
change in a gender responsive and socially inclusive It also addresses the equitable distribution of water
manner while aligning with broader national and resources among different sectors and communities,
international climate goals. To be crafted through specifically the most vulnerable segments.
involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, the Policy
• Waste Management: Balochistan will invest in
will remain flexible and adaptable to harness the evolving
effective waste management infrastructure and
opportunities in Balochistan.
promoting hygiene practices to improve both solid
The objectives of the Policy include: and liquid waste management and reduce GHG
• Adaptation and Resilience Building: Given emissions from waste while improving human health
Balochistan’s vulnerability to climate change impacts as co-benefit.
such as water scarcity, droughts, and extreme • Biodiversity Conservation: Balochistan is home to
weather events, the Policy prioritises building diverse ecosystems and wildlife. The Policy includes
gender-sensitive resilience, including adopting measures to protect and conserve biodiversity,
ecosystem-based adaptation approach, developing including the establishment of protected areas,
climate-resilient infrastructure, improving water wildlife corridors, and habitat restoration initiatives.
management systems, and enhancing disaster
• Climate Change Fund: The Policy provides a
preparedness and response mechanisms.
framework for setting up an endowment—Balochistan
• Mitigating Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions: Climate Change Fund (BCCF)—through international
Balochistan should set targets for reducing its GHG and local resources to support adaptation and
emissions, particularly those associated with energy mitigation actions in the province (Section 1‎ 0.3).
production, transportation, and industrial processes.
• Economic Viability: The Policy promotes economic
The policy promotes the adoption of clean and
sustainability by fostering green and sustainable
renewable energy sources, energy-efficient
and inclusive economic growth, creating jobs in
technologies, and sustainable agricultural practices
renewable energy and other climate-related sectors,
to mitigate emissions.
and reducing the long-term economic costs of
• Natural Resource Management: Balochistan is climate change.
rich in natural resources, including minerals and
• Economic Diversification: Balochistan’s economy
fisheries. The Policy recognises and values women’s
is heavily dependent on agriculture and natural
contribution in the use and management of natural
resource-based industries. The Policy encourages
10 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

economic diversification by promoting sustainable, emphasises capacity building at the local and
climate-resilient livelihoods and industries by provincial levels. It also promotes climate education
prioritising women and vulnerable communities. and awareness programmes to engage communities
and stakeholders, especially women, children, youth
• International Collaboration: Balochistan’s climate
and persons with disabilities, in climate action.
challenges are not limited to its borders, and the
Policy encourages collaboration with neighbouring • Monitoring and Reporting: Establishing a robust
countries, international organisations, and donors monitoring and reporting framework is crucial to
to access financial and technical support for climate track progress towards climate goals. Regular
projects. assessments of the Policy’s implementation and its
impact on climate resilience and mitigation will be
• Private Sector Engagement: The Policy encourages
conducted and shared with relevant stakeholders.
private sector participation in climate action by
There will be a special emphasis on differentiated
incentivising sustainable business practices, green
impact of climate change on women, children and
investments, and the development of climate-
other marginalised groups.
friendly industries and technologies.

• Green Procurement:11 The Policy encourages 2.2. Alignment with National and International
adoption of green procurement practices, especially Climate, and Environmental Justice Agenda
in the public sector, for contributing to the Province’s
The BCCP is aligned with national and international
sustainable development goals by ensuring that
climate goals, as reflected in polices, strategies and
procurement processes are environmentally
conventions to ensure that Balochistan’s efforts
responsible, economically viable and socially
contribute effectively to global climate action. Following
inclusive.
are steps and strategies to achieve this alignment:
• Gender Equality and Social Inclusivity: The Policy
• The BCCP explicitly references and aligns with
prioritises the most vulnerable and marginalised
Pakistan’s national climate agenda, including the
communities12 at the frontlines, especially women,
National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) 2021,13 the
children, transgender, youth and disabled, ensuring
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 202114
that climate adaptation and mitigation efforts are
and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023,15 and is
inclusive and do not exacerbate existing social
strategically linked with Vision 202516 and the 5E
disparities.
Framework.17 This ensures that provincial actions
• Capacity Building and Awareness: To successfully complement and support the country’s climate
implement climate change initiatives, the Policy objectives.

11. Purchasing products and services that cause minimal adverse environmental impacts, incorporating human health and environmental
concerns into the search for high quality products and services at competitive prices.
12. Marginalised groups are those that are negatively perceived as socially and/or physically outside the larger community structure,
and are prevented from, or are unable to, participate in, or interact with, the mainstream community groups. These groups are often
disadvantaged and marginalised due to their identities, such as gender, age, disability, income, education, faith, race, ethnicity, sexual
orientation, and migration status.
Source: Law Insider: Marginalized groups (https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/marginalized-groups). Accessed: 20 Jan 2024.
13. Government of Pakistan. 2021. National Climate Change Policy. Islamabad: Ministry of Climate Change, GoP.
14. Government of Pakistan. 2021. Pakistan: Updated Nationally Determined Contributions 2021. Islamabad: Ministry of Climate Change,
GoP.
15. Government of Pakistan. 2023. National Adaptation Plan: Pakistan 2023. Islamabad: Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental
Coordination, GoP.
16. Government of Pakistan. 2022. Pakistan 2025: One Nation – One Vision. Islamabad: Ministry of Planning Development & Reform, GoP.
17. Government of Pakistan. 2023. 5Es Framework to Turnround Pakistan. Islamabad: Ministry of Planning Development & Special
Initiatives, GoP.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 11

• The BCCP is fully aligned with the SDG13: Climate for climate change, such as the Ministry of
Action (take urgent action to combat climate change Climate Change and Environmental Coordination
and its impacts) and would in fact contribute to the (MoCC&EC), to ensure harmonisation of policies,
achievement of the SDG13 through implementation share best practices, and access national resources
of the ensuing action plan. and expertise.

• As Pakistan has just prepared its Long-Term Vision • The gender disaggregated data collection, reporting,
(Annex 1)18 towards developing Pakistan’s Long- and monitoring mechanisms at the provincial level
Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT- will be aligned with national requirements and
LEDS) in accordance with Article 4, paragraph 19 of reporting frameworks to ensure that provincial
the Paris Agreement (2015), the BCCP proactively
19
progress can be aggregated at the national level for
emphasises low GHG emission development reporting on Pakistan’s climate actions.
so that the province can align with the net-zero
• The Balochistan government will work with national
transition by 2050 by maximum decarbonisation
authorities to access climate finance opportunities,
of the emitting sectors. As transitional measures,
such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the
BCCP recommends treading a gradual path of GHG
Adaptation Fund (AF), to fund climate projects and
reductions in line with NDCs targets.
initiatives within Balochistan (Part C). It will develop
• The BCCP also takes into consideration the actions project proposals that align with national priorities
recommended by the Climate Change Gender and criteria for funding.
Action Plan (ccGAP) 2022 20
to ensure meaningful
• There will be collaboration with national institutions
participation of women in the climate adaptation and
and organisations to build local capacity for gender-
mitigation strategies and actions.
responsive climate action through sharing of
• All development projects will adhere to the knowledge, expertise, and best practices to enhance
principles and goals outlined in the UN Framework the effectiveness of climate initiatives in Balochistan.
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris
• There will also be collaboration with other provinces
Agreement and the relevant protocols ratified by
and regions within Pakistan to share experiences and
Pakistan, aligning with the standards and objectives
best practices in climate adaptation and mitigation,
being actively pursued by international financial
and interprovincial cooperation agreements to
institutions.
tackle shared climate challenges.
• The BCCP identifies specific actions through
• The Balochistan government will engage with
its Action Plan (Part B) that directly contribute
international organisations and donors involved in
to achieving Pakistan’s climate targets, such as
climate initiatives to access technical assistance,
reducing GHG emissions and enhancing climate
technology transfer, and financial support. It will
resilience. The provincial targets are developed in
forge partnerships with international stakeholders
line with or exceed national commitments where
to leverage resources for climate projects in
possible.
Balochistan.
• The Balochistan government will collaborate closely
• It will be ensured that Balochistan is represented
with federal government agencies responsible
at national and international climate forums and

18. Government of Pakistan. 2023. The Long-Term Vision 2050: Towards developing Pakistan’s long term low emissions development
strategy (LT-LEDS). Islamabad: Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, GoP.
19. UN. 2015. Paris Agreement. Paris: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
20. IUCN. 2022. Climate Change Gender Action Plan of the Government and People of Pakistan. Islamabad: IUCN Pakistan
12 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

negotiations to advocate for Balochistan’s specific implementation of climate actions.

climate needs and challenges while also contributing
• Do No Harm: It will be ensured that the climate
constructively to global climate discussions.
actions do not exacerbate existing vulnerabilities
• As transparent reporting is crucial for demonstrating or inequalities and protect the rights and well-being
alignment with national and international climate of all community members, especially women and
goals, the provincial climate actions, progress, other marginalised groups.
and achievements will be regularly reported to the
• Ecosystem-Based Approaches: The protection
federal government and international bodies.
and restoration of ecosystems, such as mangroves,
• The BCCP will remain flexible and adaptable, forests, and watersheds, which play a critical role in
allowing it to evolve alongside changes in national climate resilience and mitigation will be emphasised
climate policies and international agreements. by promoting sustainable land use practices that
conserve biodiversity and natural resources.
• The Balochistan government will engage in climate
diplomacy and communication efforts to raise • Scientific Rigour: The climate actions will be based
awareness about Balochistan’s climate challenges on the best available scientific evidence and climate
and Balochistan’s commitment to climate action on data about the local and regional climate challenges.
the national and international stages.
• Transparency and Accountability: There will
be transparency in decision-making, policy
2.3. Guiding Principles for Climate Action
implementation, and resource allocation to establish
Climate action in Balochistan, as guided by the BCCP, clear accountability mechanisms to track progress,
will be rooted in a set of fundamental principles to drive report on results, and address any shortcomings.
effective and meaningful efforts to address climate The Balochistan Public Procurement Rules, 2014
challenges in Balochistan. These guiding principles for will be complied with in emergency response and
climate action in Balochistan include: climate related projects, and information about
• Long-Term Commitment: The climate actions will all climate and disaster response actions will be
be driven by a long-term political ownership that disclosed through a web-based dashboard and the
extends beyond electoral cycles, recognising that GoB websites.
climate change is a long-term challenge that requires • Interagency Collaboration: There will be
sustained commitment and action. collaboration and coordination among different
• Local Ownership: The climate actions will be government agencies, departments, and levels
derived from the needs and priorities of local of government to ensure a holistic and integrated
communities in Balochistan by engaging with and approach to climate policy.
empowering residents, especially women, children, • Cross-Sectoral Integration: The climate
youth and disabled, to take an active role in climate considerations will be integrated across various
initiatives and decision-making processes. The local sectors, such as agriculture, livestock and fisheries,
communities, including indigenous and traditional water resources, forestry, industries, energy, and
knowledge holders, and environmental human transportation, to maximise synergies and minimise
rights defenders21 will be engaged in the design and conflicts in policy implementation.

21. UN defines environmental human rights defenders as individuals and groups who, in their personal or professional capacity and in a
peaceful manner, strive to protect and promote human rights relating to the environment, including water, air, land, flora and fauna.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 13

3. Adaptation Strategies

The provincial adaptation strategies are designed to better adapt the livestock sector to climate change, it is
build resilience of key economic sectors in Balochistan, imperative to encourage rotational grazing, efficient feed
which will directly contribute towards achieving the goals management, enhance pasture resilience, and introduce
of NCCP (2021), NDCs (2021), NAP (2023), the Vision livestock insurance programmes to protect producers
2025 and the 5E Framework. Integration of climate against climate change induced losses.
change considerations into provincial sectoral policies
Facing water scarcity and land degradation, exacerbated
and plans (e.g., water resources, agriculture, forestry,
by climate change, Balochistan holds immense potential
biodiversity, coastal management, fisheries, socio-
for adopting regenerative practices. These practices
economic development, mines and minerals and human
can improve soil health, water retention, biodiversity,
health) is one of the major adaptation strategies to chieve
and crop yields, making agriculture more resilient and
the goals of BCCP.
sustainable.
The adaptation strategies under the BCCP are fully
aligned with adaptation priorities identified by the NAP 3.2. Water Resources
(2023): Balochistan faces a lot of challenges due to limited
1. The agriculture-water nexus water resources and an arid climate. With changing
precipitation patterns, extreme weather events such
2. Natural capital (land, water, and air)
as droughts and flooding, and rising temperatures,
3. Urban resilience
these challenges are exacerbated. As with many other
4. Human capital sectors, water scarcity affects women disproportionately.
5. Disaster risk management However, adaptation of water resources requires a
6. Gender, youth, and social inclusion multifaceted approach because they threaten livelihoods
and the well-being of various communities differently in
Accordingly, the GoB commits to a wide range of
every ecological zone. Some key adaptation strategies
sector-specific adaptation strategies to address climate
to build resilience include improving water resource
challenges faced by the province. These strategies have
management and governance, especially in canal-
further been elaborated in terms of sectoral priorities and
command areas, groundwater management in arid areas
guidelines (Section ‎7.1) and priority actions (Section 8
‎ ) in
along central, western, and northern Balochistan, and
Part B.
investing in climate adaptation in terms of watershed
management and water infrastructure. These strategies
3.1. Agriculture and Livestock
also need to integrate the policy (such as Balochistan
Because of the vulnerability to climate variability as Integrated Water Resources Management Policy) and
well as the economic dependence on it, agriculture regulatory frameworks that promote water conservation
and livestock are a priority sector; also, because a large and climate-resilient agriculture and encourage locally
proportion of women are directly involved in this sector led adaptation.
and vulnerable to direct and more severe impacts of
climate change therein. Encouraging climate adaptative 3.3. Vulnerable Ecosystems
agricultural practices such as use of climate-resilient
Vulnerable ecosystems such as forests, rangelands,
seed varieties and water efficient irrigation practices
mountains, and marine ecosystems will play a crucial role
will not only ensure food security but also improve
in Balochistan’s climate change adaptation strategy. This
resilience and adaptive capacity of farmers. Similarly, to
14 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

is largely because these ecosystems provide support Pakistan’s commitments towards the UN Convention on
in climate regulation as carbon sinks, act as natural Biodiversity (CBD).
defences against flooding, tsunamis, and erosion, and
3.3.3 Mountains, Deserts, Arid and Semi-arid Areas
play a vital role as ecosystem service providers for local
and indigenous communities. Various indigenous and Due to Balochistan’s largely arid and desert-like
local communities (ILCs) have lived in and managed ecosystem, water resource management, livestock
these environments for generations in Balochistan. Their management, and sustainable land management are
traditional knowledge, practices, and social structures key to adaptation measures. Water security is a growing
have been honed and adapted over time to ensure challenge in Balochistan that is being exacerbated by
the long-term sustainability of their land and resources. climate change with severe implications for women
This deep understanding of local ecosystems and their and girls. The adaptation strategy will include actively
vulnerability to climate change makes ILCs key partners promoting and incentivising water conservation and
in developing and implementing effective adaptation management measures, especially with regards to
strategies. Indigenous communities are often at the groundwater extraction, and encouraging water efficient
forefront of efforts to adapt to climate change. Adaptation irrigation systems. Similarly, relevant departments will
policies should support indigenous-led initiatives that are also work towards designing locally suitable adaptive
based on traditional knowledge and practices. Some of measures such as for fragile and vulnerable ecosystems
the key ecosystems to consider are: to thrive in a changing climate, aligned with Pakistan’s
commitments towards the UN Convention to Combat
3.3.1 Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Desertification (UNCCD).
Balochistan’s coastline (735 km) is at risk from sea
level rise, ocean acidification, erosion, and storm 3.4. Disaster Risk Management
surges among other extreme weather events. Several Because of Balochistan’s vulnerability to climate-
adaptation strategies can be implemented to reduce induced extreme weather events, gender-responsive
vulnerability and foster blue economy. Protecting coastal disaster risk management is a key sector moving
areas and ecosystems will safeguard communities and forward. To reduce risk and vulnerability, disaster risk
infrastructure from these hazards. This can be possible management (DRM) plans can shift away from aid-
by managing fisheries sustainably, regulating illegal reliant practices and encourage proactive, community-
fishing practices, adapting to sea level rise through focused disaster management, based on local resources
infrastructure, and protecting and restoring coastal to improve existing adaptive capacities. The province
habitats that serve as a protection for coastlines against will also need a robust climate-resilient housing and
erosion and storm surges. At the same time, the marine infrastructure framework to reduce disaster-related
ecosystem offers enormous potential in terms of blue structural losses. Similarly, institutional collaboration
carbon, accruing significant financial resources for the needs to be strengthened to create linkages between
province. all stakeholders and government actors on each level.
3.3.2 Forests, Rangelands, Biodiversity and Wildlife In this regard, the local governments will be encouraged
and strengthened to act as ‘first responders’ for disaster
Balochistan is home to a diverse array of forest ecosystems
response. This will not only help implement adaptation
that are vital to its culture, economy, and environment.
strategies successfully and efficiently but will also build
However, these ecosystems are under threat due to rising
resilience at large.
temperatures, erratic precipitation patterns, and need to
be protected. Prioritising conservation and protection 3.5. Urban Planning and Development
of biodiversity and incorporating biodiversity plans into
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity
provincial development strategies will mitigate adverse
of extreme weather events, such as flash floods,
impacts on forests, and rangelands and help align with
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 15

and heatwaves. Using green and climate-resilient change on Balochistan’s already vulnerable populations.
infrastructure, mixed-use development approach, Changes in climate create favourable conditions for
and water-sensitive urban design are key to climate- waterborne and vector borne diseases; this makes
responsive urban planning and will protect communities strengthening public health response and capacity
and essential services from these events. Adaptation in especially important. This must include incorporating the
the urban landscape requires a climate-sensitive urban health implications of climate change and disasters into
planning framework to comprehensively integrate health and education policies, establishing institutional
climate change considerations into all aspects of urban collaboration mechanisms with provincial and national
planning and development. This includes building health service providers, ensuring effective preventive
resilience to extreme weather events such as urban measures and the availability of resources, such as
flooding, climate-proofing of existing and future housing vaccines, medication, water, sanitation, and hygiene
and commercial developments, focusing on sustainable (WASH) facilities, and educational facilities (schools,
water management in drought and flood-prone cities colleges, universities) during climate-induced extreme
and prioritising accessible mass transit. Moving events.
forward, urban planning and development needs to be
An analysis of 130 studies revealed that climate change
sustainable, resilient, and inclusive to support vulnerable
has a disproportionate impact on women’s and girls’
and marginalised groups, as well as ensure successful
health.22 Women and girls are also at a higher risk of
adaptation.
physical, sexual, and domestic violence in the aftermath
3.5.1 Climate-Induced Migration of disasters. These impacts are amplified when women
have a lower socioeconomic status.23 Both findings
As a region experiencing frequent cross-border
perfectly depict the situation in Balochistan where the
movement, triggered by conflict or climatic events,
situation become even worse because of high cost of
Balochistan needs to integrate solutions for climate-
response and service delivery.
induced migration as a key performance indicator (KPI).
Recognising the complex interplay of factors affecting
3.7. Mining and Mineral Resources
different communities within Balochistan, there is need
to consider strategies like planned relocation, effective Because of the growing role of mining in Balochistan’s
integration in host communities, and mechanisms for economy, it is highly important to formulate policy
cash assistance and livelihood support. Bolstering data measures and establish enforcement mechanisms for the
collection on migration patterns and vulnerabilities will sustainable management of water resources, including
inform effective implementations of such strategies. the treatment of wastewater during mining operations.
However, given the growing impacts of climate change,
3.6. Human Health sustainable mining practices need to be adopted to
minimise environmental impacts, with active participation
Human health plays a vital role in strengthening
from local communities.
adaptation due to the increasing impacts of climate

22. Dunne, D. 2020. Mapped: How climate change disproportionately affects women’s health (https://www.carbonbrief.org/mapped-how-
climate-change-disproportionately-affects-womens-health/). Accessed: 20 Jan 2024.
23. Sorensen, C., V. Murray, J. Lemery and J. Balbus. 2018. Climate change and women’s health: Impacts and policy directions. PLoSMed,
15(7). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002603. Accessed: 20 Jan 2024.
16 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

4. Mitigation Strategies

Climate change mitigation holds utmost significance in emissions (Figure 1) and fortifying its resilience against
Balochistan, aiming to curtail GHG emissions and enhance climate change impacts. Within the NDCs, several
Balochistan’s capacity to withstand the repercussions of mitigation measures of relevance to Balochistan are
climate change. These strategies align with Pakistan’s outlined, including the promotion of renewable energy
NCCP (2021) and the NDCs (2021), and strategically sources, the enhancement of energy efficiency, and the
linked with Vision 2025 and the 5E Framework, which preservation of forested areas.
delineate the nation’s commitments to mitigating GHG

Figure 1: Pakistan’s GHG Emissions (2018)

Source: WB. 2022. Pakistan: Country Climate and Development Report.

 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 17

Climate change mitigation strategies are of paramount the formulation and implementation of mitigation
importance for Balochistan, driven by multiple strategies.
compelling reasons. Firstly, they serve as a pivotal
• Notwithstanding these hurdles, Balochistan will
tool in curtailing Balochistan’s GHG emissions, thus
adopt and adapt several mitigation strategies to
contributing significantly to global climate change
reduce GHG emissions, primarily aligned with
mitigation endeavours. Secondly, they play a pivotal
the NDCs (2021). The Government of Balochistan
role in augmenting Balochistan’s resilience against
commits to the following sector-specific mitigation
the impacts of climate change, bolstering its ability to
strategies towards climate challenge.
withstand future challenges. Thirdly, these strategies
have the potential to stimulate economic growth and job 4.1. Energy
creation, providing a much-needed boost to the regional
The energy sector is the biggest source of GHG
economy. Nonetheless, the development and execution
emissions in Pakistan, emitting 218.9 million tonnes of
of mitigation strategies pose substantial challenges for
carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2018. Balochistan,
Balochistan, stemming from various factors, including:
the largest province of Pakistan, faces significant
· Limited Provincial GHG Inventories: To implement challenges in addressing climate change, particularly in
efficient GHG emissions mitigation strategies across the energy sector. The province’s energy infrastructure
various sectors, it is imperative to develop sector is underdeveloped, and its reliance on fossil fuels for
specific GHG inventories. These inventories serve electricity generation contributes to GHG emissions.
the purpose of pinpointing the principal sources Balochistan boasts substantial potential for renewable
of emissions, quantifying the volume of emissions, energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which
and providing the essential gender disaggregated will also have co-benefit of women’s health. Balochistan
data needed for the formulation of mitigation will actively promote and support the development and
plans. Presently, a conspicuous absence of GHG deployment of renewable energy technologies to reduce
emission data exists for the sectors in Balochistan. its reliance on fossil fuels. Enhancing energy efficiency
For example, GHG emissions from seagoing vessels in buildings and industrial processes will also be
including harbour crafts and port operations is encouraged alongside providing a supportive regulatory
missing from the national inventory. To bridge this regime.
data gap, the GoB will provide necessary support to
compile comprehensive GHG inventories, adhering 4.2. Transportation
to methodologies that align with the national GHG The transport sector in Pakistan is among the major
inventory standards and guidelines established by energy demand sector contributing to GHG emissions of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 51.3 MtCO2e in 2018. The transport sector plays a crucial
(IPCC), for each sector in Balochistan. Such an role in Balochistan’s economy, connecting communities
approach will ensure the accuracy and uniformity of and facilitating commerce. However, the sector’s reliance
the data, thereby facilitating the implementation of on fossil fuels and inefficient practices contributes
effective GHG emissions mitigation strategies. significantly to GHG emissions. Encouraging the use
· Financial Constraints: Balochistan contends with of public transportation, electric vehicles, and bicycles
financial constraints as Pakistan’s most economically will significantly reduce emissions in the transportation
disadvantaged province. Limited financial resources sector. Infrastructure investments that support walking
impede significant investments in mitigation and biking in urban centres can further bolster emission
measures. reduction efforts.

· Technical Capacity Gaps: Balochistan grapples Data on and control of GHG emissions from fishing and
with a shortage of technical capacity necessary for seagoing vessels is missing in the national GHG inventory.
18 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

The recently made estimates of GHG emissions from will advocate for energy efficiency measures and
seagoing and fishing vessels from Balochistan and Sindh sustainable manufacturing practices within the industrial
may be taken as a baseline reference. 24
Additionally, sector. Supporting the development and adoption of
emissions from other harbour crafts, dredgers and port low-carbon industrial technologies is another avenue for
operations will also be taken into consideration for emissions reduction.
mitigation actions.
4.4. Agriculture
4.3. Industry
The agriculture sector in Pakistan is the second highest
The industrial sector is the 3 rd
largest emitting sector emitting sector with 198.59 MtCO2e in 2018. The
in Pakistan which released 25.76 MtCO2e in 2018. The agriculture sector of Balochistan faces a critical challenge
industrial sector in Balochistan is a diverse and growing in balancing mitigation efforts with the preservation
sector that can play a significant role in the province’s of food and water security. Groundwater extraction, a
economy. The sector is comprised of a wide range of prevalent practice in the region, has placed immense
industries, including mining, manufacturing, construction, strain on water resources, exacerbating the impacts of
and utilities. These industries produce a variety of drought and contributing to GHG emissions. To address
goods and services that are essential to the province’s these concerns, a comprehensive mitigation strategy
economy, such as minerals, metals, chemicals, food that prioritises sustainable groundwater management,
products. 25
The industrial sector in Balochistan is facing promotes climate-smart agriculture practices, and
several challenges, including infrastructure constraints, revitalises the traditional karez system will be developed.
energy shortages, and a lack of skilled labour. The Improving livestock management practices, such as
academia will play a crucial role in conducting research optimising feed composition and introducing suitable
on energy-efficient technologies, cleaner production livestock breeds, represents an effective approach to
practices, and effective mine closure and reclamation mitigating methane emissions originating from enteric
techniques. They will provide expertise in developing fermentation within the agricultural sector. Balochistan can
and implementing renewable energy solutions and embrace sustainable, gender sensitive and climate-smart
establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for low- agricultural practices, encompassing methodologies
carbon industries. The respective industrial chamber of like no-till farming, judicious fertiliser management, the
commerce and industries will promote energy efficiency promotion of manure composting to partially replace
practices among its members, encourage the adoption chemical fertilisers, agroforestry systems, and water-
of cleaner production technologies, advocate for efficient rice cultivation. These practices will serve a dual
responsible mine closure and reclamation practices, and purpose by reducing GHG emissions, enhancing carbon
facilitate collaboration between academia and industry sequestration, fostering soil health, conserving water,
for sustainable development. and bolstering the livelihoods of farmers.

The GoB will provide incentives for businesses to adopt

4.5. Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry
GHG mitigation measures, invest in climate-resilient
(LULUCF)
infrastructure development, support research and
development, and implement policies that promote LULUCF activities play a critical role in climate
renewable energy and sustainable practices. Balochistan change mitigation by influencing GHG emissions and
sequestration. 24.86 MtCO2e GHG emissions were

24. Semab, B., K. M. J. Iqbal, S. Amir, and M. A. R. Tariq. 2022. Development of greenhouse gas emissions baseline and identification of
carbon offset cost for maritime vessels of a developing country. Front. Environ. Sci., 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.1076585.
Accessed: 15 Dec 2023.
25. Voice of Balochistan: Hub, the industrial backbone of Balochistan (https://voiceofbalochistan.pk/opinions-and-articles/economic-
development/hub-the-industrial-backbone-of-balochistan/). Accessed: 6 Dec 2023.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 19

calculated to be from the LULUCF in 2018. Integrating waste generation and unsustainable disposal practices,
LULUCF considerations into provincial planning and the sector contributes significantly to GHG emissions.
policy frameworks is essential to promote sustainable Solid and liquid waste management remains a
land management and climate change mitigation in significant concern within the province in the absence
Balochistan. Balochistan possesses substantial potential of provincial sanitation and solid waste management
for mitigating GHG emissions through well-planned forest policies impeding implementation of waste management
conservation and expansion initiatives. Balochistan will mechanisms at local levels. To effectively address this
pursue two primary strategies: (a) implementing stringent challenge and foster a sustainable waste management
measures to prevent deforestation and degradation of system, a comprehensive Balochistan Sanitation Policy
existing forests through regulatory enforcement, the and Strategy has been developed, which is currently
promotion of sustainable forest management practices, under the approval process, to prioritises waste
and active community engagement in conservation reduction, resource recovery, and waste-to-energy
efforts, and (b) expanding afforestation and reforestation solutions is essential alongside community-driven waste
programmes with a focus on native and climate-resilient management practices.
tree species.
4.8. Cross-Sectoral Approaches
To ensure effective and efficient land use in the province,
the GoB is considering development of Balochistan Spatial In addition to these sector-specific strategies, Balochistan
Strategy (BSS) which will include (a) data development will implement cross-sectoral mitigation approaches,
framework, and (b) decision support system. With a focus such as:
on transport and connectivity, health and education, and · Carbon Pricing: Balochistan will align itself with the
urban development, the BSS will set a strategic direction nationally instituted carbon pricing mechanism to
for sustainable development of Balochistan. 26
incentivise businesses and individuals to reduce their
emissions, thereby aligning economic incentives
4.6. Blue Carbon
with emission reduction goals.
Boasting the longest coastal belt in Pakistan, stretching
· Research and Development Investment: Investing
over 735 km, Balochistan is rich in marine ecosystems,
in research and development of innovative mitigation
including extensive mangrove forests. This ecological
technologies and practices will foster the adoption
wealth, particularly the mangroves, presents an
of cutting-edge solutions.
exceptional opportunity for participation in carbon
markets. Balochistan can harness its abundant coastal · Awareness Building and Capacity Development:
ecosystems not only to augment its carbon sequestration Balochistan will prioritise raising awareness about
potential but also to tap into the growing carbon market. climate change and building the capacity to formulate
This endeavour can generate financial resources to and implement effective mitigation strategies. This
further conservation efforts, enhance climate resilience, will empower local stakeholders to actively engage
and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities. in mitigation efforts.

By strategically addressing these challenges and

4.7. Waste
proactively pursuing these mitigation strategies,
The waste management infrastructure is almost non- Balochistan will make significant strides towards reducing
existent in Balochistan. As Balochistan grapples with the its GHG emissions and enhancing its resilience in the
multifaceted impacts of climate change, the province’s face of climate change, while concurrently promoting
waste sector stands at a crossroads. With burgeoning sustainable development and economic growth.

26. Consortium for Development Policy Research. 2021. A Framework for Development of Balochistan Spatial Strategy. Lahore:
Consortium for Development Policy Research
20 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

5. Cross-Cutting Themes

5.1. Mainstreaming Climate Change and • Institutional Mechanisms: Institutional mechanisms

Environmental Sustainability into Development for climate change integration will be created and
Planning strengthened, such as the establishment of a climate
change unit within the Balochistan Planning and
It is essential to recognise that climate change impacts
Development Department.
are already affecting key sectors and exacerbating
existing development challenges within Balochistan. To • Sectoral Integration: Climate change considerations
address these issues and transition towards climate- will be integrated into key sectoral policies and
compatible development, the integration of climate strategies by developing sectoral climate change
change considerations into development planning is action plans.
imperative. The following steps will be undertaken
• Financial Integration: Engagement with the
to effectively mainstream climate change into the
Balochistan Finance Department will be pursued to
development planning process:
incorporate climate change considerations, including
• Mainstreaming Climate Change and Environmental the costing of climate actions, into the provincial
Sustainability in Provincial Policy and Planning: annual budgetary framework. A Climate Finance
Climate change will be integrated into key provincial Unit within the Balochistan Finance Department
policy and planning processes, including the Five will ensure financial coordination, identify relevant
Years Plans, prospective plans, poverty reduction grants and climate financing options, and regulate
strategies and the Annual Development Programme the aid flow.
(ADP)/Public Sector Development Programme
• Green Procurement: The Balochistan Public
(PSDP). This integration will be facilitated by a
Procurement Regulatory Authority (B-PPRA) will be
dedicated and well-resourced BCCP Cell within
encouraged to develop guidelines for and ensure
the Climate Change and Environment Department.
adoption of green procurement practices. This will
This ensures that climate change considerations are
also include capacity building of the relevant officials
incorporated into provincial development strategies,
and awareness raising of the relevant stakeholders
programmes, and projects.
to ensure that procurement process takes into
• Climate and Environmental Sustainability Screening consideration the climate and environmental
Procedures: Climate screening procedures will safeguards minimising adverse environmental
be established for project identification, appraisal, impacts and climate change triggers.
approval, monitoring, closing, and evaluation. It
• Education and Training: Climate change and
will be mandatory to conduct climate screening
environmental sustainability courses and topics
for all projects funded through the Provincial
will be designed and incorporated into the primary,
PSDP. Revisions to the “Planning and Project
secondary, and higher education curriculum. This
Manual” prepared by the Balochistan Planning
will be supported by technical assistance and
and Development Department will be made to
targeted training programmes for the teachers and
ensure this climate screening process. The mega
educational administrators.
development projects and programmes with critical
implications for climate vulnerable zones and groups • Civil Servant Training: A comprehensive module on
will have to be inclusive and incorporate social and climate change and environmental implications for
environmental protection measures. development planning specific to Balochistan will
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 21

be designed and incorporated into the training of • Meticulous Planning: Careful planning is vital to
civil servants through the Balochistan Civil Services ensure that the various measures and strategies are
Academy. executed efficiently and with clear objectives.

• Research Collaboration: Coordination will be • Risk Management: Identifying and managing

established with relevant provincial-level universities potential risks and challenges is essential to avoid
and research institutes to conduct research on setbacks during implementation.
climate change vulnerabilities and impacts on key
• Resource Allocation: Adequate resources, both
sectors and geographical areas.
financial and human, should be allocated to different
• Capacity Enhancement Programme: A departments and initiatives to ensure their success.
comprehensive training and capacity enhancement
• Efficient Communication: Effective communication
programme will be designed to facilitate the
is critical to ensuring that all stakeholders are
integration of climate considerations into
informed and aligned with the policy’s goals and
development planning. This programme will provide
objectives.
the necessary skills and knowledge to stakeholders
involved in the planning and implementation of • Rigorous Monitoring: A system for continuous
development projects in Balochistan. monitoring and evaluation of the progress is
necessary to assess the effectiveness of the policy.
• Local-Level Capacity Building: Technical capacity will
be built within Divisional Coordination Committees • Effective Accountability: Transparency and
(DCC) to enable the incorporation of climate change expeditious follow ups through notified,
considerations into local-level project designs and mandated, and resourced mechanisms of effective
plans. A robust system will be devised to identify accountability with respect to noncompliance, and
and strengthen vulnerable communities and areas individual/collective/organisational complaints
to reduce the impacts of climate change. and concerns regarding climate change and
environmental sustainability.
• Working with Environmental Human Rights
Defenders: The GoB will establish mechanisms for Key elements crucial for the successful execution of the
meaningful engagement of human rights defenders BCCP include:
to undertake advocacy, research, awareness raising, • Executive Support: Securing unwavering support
and contributing to planning, prevention, and from the executive branch of the Balochistan
response processes. government is fundamental to the policy’s success.

5.2. Public Sector’s Roles and Responsibilities • Balochistan Climate Change Coordination
Committee (B4C): Establishing a dedicated province
The successful implementation of the recommended
level high powered committee responsible for
measures outlined in the earlier sections for adaptation
driving the policy’s implementation, and horizontal
and mitigation efforts requires the development of
and vertical coordination.
sector-specific implementation strategies and action
plans (Part B). The effectiveness of the policy’s execution • BCCP Cell: Setting up a dedicated and well-
in Balochistan is contingent on several critical factors, resourced BCCP Cell within the Climate Change and
including: Environment Department to ensure integration of
climate change and environmental sustainability into
• Robust Governance: The policy implementation
sectoral policies, planning and implementation.
process necessitates strong governance structures
to oversee and coordinate activities effectively. • Climate Finance Unit: Establishing a dedicated
unit within the Balochistan Finance Department
22 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

for monitoring of funding and budget allocation policy adjustments and identify new opportunities
implementation, and identification of relevant grants for climate action.
and aid.
5.3. Gender, Disability, Youth and Social Inclusion
• Stakeholder Engagement: Fostering comprehensive
engagement and communication plans across all To ensure that the BCCP implementation is cognisant of
government departments and other stakeholders to gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI)
ensure their active involvement and commitment. dimensions, the following specific considerations will
serve as crosscutting thread across all sectoral actions:
• Legal and Financial Support: Providing the
necessary legal and financial support to enable the 5.3.1 Gender Dimensions
policy’s execution. The nexus between climate change and gender is
• Implementation Roadmap: Based on the BCCP complex, with women, girls and transgender bearing a
action plans (Part B), developing a clear roadmap significant burden due to increased exposure to heat
that delineates the roles and responsibilities of stress, water scarcity, food insecurity, and infectious
relevant departments and organisations involved in diseases undermining access to critical reproductive
implementation. health services, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.
The changing climate increases the risk of unwanted
• Risk Assessments and Management: Conducting
pregnancies, unsafe abortions, maternal mortality,
comprehensive risk assessments and develop
and mental health issues. The climate change also
strategies for mitigating potential risks that could
aggravates high risks of gender-based violence (GBV),
hinder policy execution.
thereby, impacting on the mental health and wellbeing of
• Monitoring and Reporting: Enabling effective women, girls, and transgender, and also creating barriers
monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track to women’s access to social and economic opportunities
progress and make necessary adjustments. at large.

• Performance Evaluation: Implementing a system Additionally, climate induced disasters compounded with
for evaluating the performance of initiatives and social norms, have significant barriers to women’s access
projects under the policy. to healthcare services, for instance, medical supplies,
healthcare infrastructure, skilled health workers,
• Data Gap Analysis: Conducting gap analyses to
affordable transportation, and vital information usually
enhance the predictive accuracy of data, particularly
face a dual challenge of being inadequately available
in the context of weather data, which is crucial for
and inaccessible due to climate change.
climate change monitoring and adaptation.
Seeking guidance from the gender-specific
• Research and Innovation: The academic and
recommendations of the NCCP, elaboration by the
research institutions will be engaged for research
ccGAP and aligning with the vision of the Government
and innovation in climate-related fields to inform

27. “A peaceful, democratic, just and prosperous Balochistan where women and girls are equal citizens and participants in decision-
making from the home to the national and international levels, women and girls able to lead a life free from violence and
discrimination and enjoy the full gamut of their social, political and economic rights.”
Source: Government of Balochistan. 2020. Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment Policy 2020-2024. Quetta: GoB and UN
Women.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 23

of Balochistan’s Gender Equality and Women’s • Access to Resources: Ensuring that women have
Empowerment Policy 2020-2024, 27
the following policy equal access to resources, including land, credit,
directions will be followed: and technology, to participate in climate adaptation
and mitigation activities.
• Climate and Gender Research: Generating robust
provincial and district-specific evidence and a data • Women’s Health: Address the health implications of
system, with an intersectional lens, on the social climate change for women, such as the increased
and gender dimensions of climate change, including risk of waterborne diseases during floods or heat-
sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) related illnesses during heatwaves.
and GBV to inform provincial strategies and action
5.3.2 Disability Dimensions
plans on climate change, resilience building and
health adaptation. The disability-specific consideration of the policy action
will include:
• Gender-Responsive Actions: Ensuring that all
strategies, and action plans developed under • Inclusive Planning: Incorporating disability-inclusive
the BCCP are gender-responsive. This includes planning into all aspects of the BCCP, including
considering the specific vulnerabilities and needs of climate-resilient infrastructure development, disaster
women and addressing gender disparities. risk reduction, and capacity building.

• Capacity Building: Implementing capacity-building • Accessible Information: Ensuring that climate-

programmes focused on women’s empowerment, related information and early warning systems are
leadership, and participation in climate-related accessible to persons with disabilities, including
decision-making processes. those with sensory impairments.

• Livelihood Opportunities: Promote income- • Accessible Infrastructure: Investing in accessible

generating opportunities for women in infrastructure to enable the safe evacuation and
climate-resilient sectors, such as sustainable transportation of persons with disabilities during
agriculture, renewable energy, and climate-smart extreme weather events.
entrepreneurship. • Training and Employment: Promoting training
• Education and Awareness: Conducting awareness and employment opportunities for persons with
campaigns and educational programmes to inform disabilities in climate-resilient sectors, emphasising
women about climate change impacts, adaptation their inclusion in the workforce.
measures, and their rights related to climate • Healthcare Access: Addressing the unique
resilience. healthcare needs of persons with disabilities during
• Leave No One Behind: Empowering women, climate-related emergencies and disasters.
youth, and marginalised groups as critical agents • Advocacy and Representation: Facilitating the
for inclusive and gender-sensitive climate action participation and representation of persons with
through training on green skills, green careers, disabilities in climate adaptation and mitigation
ecotourism, and other green opportunities to ensure decision-making processes.
livelihood resilience and sustainable development.

28. Using UN definition of population between 15-24 years of age.

24 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

5.3.3 Youth Dimensions economic and social gains from climate action, while
minimising risks of social disruption—in Balochistan’s
Youth28 constitutes around 20 percent of the province’s
extractive industry, particularly coal and gas extraction,
population; hence, the BCCP underlines the following
and energy transition in the context of addressing climate
considerations:
change risks involves considering the needs and rights
• Youth Engagement: Engaging youth in climate of workers, communities, and the environment. The
action by creating youth-led initiatives, climate clubs, transition to low-carbon and resource-efficient economy
and educational programmes to raise awareness can lead to net jobs and income gains, helping to reduce
about climate change and its impacts. poverty and inequality but such economic and social
• Skill Development: Providing opportunities for transformation requires sound knowledge, coherent
youth to develop skills in climate-resilient sectors, policies, and strong social consensus. Additionally, it will
such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, involve implementing policies and practices that prioritise
and environmental conservation. environmental protection and sustainable development,
including measures to mitigate the environmental
• Youth Entrepreneurship: Supporting youth
impacts of extractive activities and promote ecosystem
entrepreneurship in climate-related industries,
restoration. Moreover, involving local communities
including start-up grants and mentorship
in decision-making processes, ensuring equitable
programmes.
distribution of benefits, and addressing social inequalities
• Education and Training: Developing curricula that are essential aspects of mainstreaming just transition
incorporate climate change education in schools toward low carbon economy. Decarbonisation through
and universities to ensure that the youth are well- nature-based solutions (NbS) will also lead to green jobs
informed about climate issues. creation, providing alternate livelihoods to the workers

• Youth Leadership: Encouraging youth leadership affected by the energy transition.

in climate advocacy, community resilience, and

5.5. Capacity Building and Awareness-Raising
innovative solutions to climate challenges.
The GoB commits to a comprehensive set of capacity
• Youth Inclusion: Ensuring that youth are represented
building and awareness-raising actions to compliment
in climate decision-making bodies and that their
effective implementation of the BCCP. These actions
perspectives are considered in policy development
aim to strengthen Balochistan’s ability to address the
and implementation.
complex challenges of climate change effectively and
• Mental Health and Well-being: Addressing the ensure that stakeholders at all levels are well-informed
mental health and well-being of youth in the context and actively engaged in climate-resilient practices. The
of climate change, as they may experience anxiety key commitments include:
and stress related to climate impacts.
• Capacity Building for the Public Sector
Including these considerations in the BCCP led Organisation: Development and implementation
adaptation and mitigation actions will help ensure that of training programmes for government officials,
the policy is comprehensive, equitable, and responsive particularly in relevant departments such as
to the diverse needs and perspectives of the population, agriculture, environment, and disaster management,
including women, children, persons with disabilities and to enhance their understanding of climate change
youth. impacts, adaptation, and mitigation strategies.
This particularly includes capacity building of
5.4. Just Transition and Green Jobs the provincial line departments, Environmental
Mainstreaming just transition—one that maximises Protection Tribunal, the Environmental Protection
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 25

Agency, and the human rights institutions to • Community-Based Training: Support to training
strengthen their ability to review environmental sessions in vulnerable communities, empowering
assessment reports and undertake social audits of them to better understand climate change risks,
the climate related projects to promote transparency adaptation strategies, and sustainable practices.
and adherence to social responsibility standards.
• Climate Information Dissemination: Establishment
• Local Government Training: Provision of capacity- of an effective mechanism for the timely and relevant
building initiatives to strengthen the capabilities of dissemination of climate information, including
local government bodies, enabling them to integrate weather forecasts and disaster alerts, to keep
climate considerations into their development plans communities informed and prepared.
and actions and engage local communities in design
• Engagement with Civil Society: Partnerships
and implementation of the initiatives.
with civil society organisations, non-governmental
• Educational Institutions and Curriculum entities, environmental human rights defenders and
Integration: Collaboration with educational community leaders to create and support climate
institutions to incorporate climate change topics and resilience and advocacy programmes.
awareness campaigns into the school and college
• Workshops and Seminars: Organisation of
curriculum, fostering a climate-resilient mindset in
workshops and seminars on climate change impacts
future generations.
and strategies, inviting experts to share their
• Training for Health and Education Sector: knowledge and experiences.
Development of specialised training programmes
• Technical Training for Agriculture and Livestock
for healthcare professionals and educators to
Sectors: Support for specialised training programmes
understand and address the health and educational
for farmers and herders to adopt climate-resilient
implications of climate change and disasters.
practices in agriculture and livestock management.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Development and
• Women and Youth Engagement: Development of
execution of public awareness campaigns aimed
tailored training programmes for women and youth
at educating the general population about climate
to ensure their active participation in climate change
change impacts, mitigation measures, and the role
adaptation and mitigation initiatives.
individuals can play in addressing climate change.
26 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

6. Policy Implementation

Effective implementation of the BCCP requires multi- plans across the sectors and provide progress updates
stakeholder coordination and collaboration given the to the NCCPIC.
multifaceted and intricate challenges presented by
6.1.1 B4C Composition
climate change in the region. Hence, it is imperative to
meaningfully engage government departments, public The B4C will comprise of the following, and may co-opt
sector institutions, non-governmental organisations, more members as and when needed:
academic institutions, and private sectors. Furthermore, • Additional Chief Secretary (Development), Planning
the active inclusion of local communities, particularly and Development Department (Chair)
those vulnerable to the direct consequences of climate
• Secretary, Climate Change and Environment
change, such as coastal and fishermen communities, is
Department
crucial in the policy’s implementation.
• Secretary, Agriculture & Cooperative Department
This collaborative approach brings together diverse
• Secretary, Communication Works, Physical Planning
expertise, perspectives, and resources that are essential
& Housing Department
for the development of effective climate action plans.
• Secretary, Energy Department
Each stakeholder group will contribute unique insights
and knowledge, thereby ensuring a well-rounded and • Secretary, Finance Department

comprehensive approach to climate change adaptation • Secretary, Fisheries Department

and mitigation actions. This approach will allow the BCCP • Secretary, Forest & Wildlife Department
and sectoral policies to be aligned with the specific • Secretary, Health Department
realities and needs of Balochistan.
• Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department
To be led by the Government of Balochistan, an inclusive • Secretary, Irrigation Department
and participatory implementation process will ensure
• Secretary, Livestock & Dairy Development
harnessing collective wisdom and fostering a shared
Department
sense of responsibility. This will promote a unity of
purpose and a stronger resolve to combat the impacts • Secretary, Local Government & Rural Development

of climate change, leading to a more sustainable and • Secretary, Mines & Minerals Development
resilient future for the people of Balochistan. Department
• Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department
6.1. Policy Governance
• Secretary, Transport Department
In alignment with the National Climate Change Policy • Secretary, Urban Planning & Development
(2021), the effective implementation of the BCCP Department
mandates the formation of the Balochistan Climate
• Secretary, Women Development Department
Change Coordination Committee (B4C). This committee
will be responsible for overseeing policy implementation • Director General, Balochistan Environmental

and reporting progress to the National Climate Change Protection Agency

Policy Implementation Committee (NCCPIC). The B4C will • Director General, Provincial Disaster Management
be supported by the BCCP Cell and the Climate Finance Authority, Balochistan
Unit thorough their respective mandates. The B4C will • Director, Climate Finance Unit
convene biannually to review strategic implementation • At least one representative from each of academia,
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 27

media, Balochistan Chamber of Commerce & (Section ‎10.3) to support climate change adaptation
Industry and civil society and mitigation actions in the province.
• An eminent climate change expert • Stakeholder Engagement: Foster collaboration
• Director, BCCP Cell (Secretary) and engagement with key stakeholders, including
civil society organisations, private sector entities,
6.1.2 B4C Mandate
academia, and international partners. Encourage
Assisted by the BCCP Cell, the B4C will have the their active participation and support in BCCP
following mandate, which may be amended by the GoB implementation efforts.
on recommendation of the B4C:
• Capacity Building: Identify capacity gaps and
• Implementation Roadmap: Prepare a recommend capacity-building initiatives for relevant
comprehensive and inclusive roadmap that outlines stakeholders involved in BCCP implementation.
the key actions, timelines, responsibilities, and Support the development of training programs and
resource requirements for the successful execution knowledge-sharing platforms to enhance technical
of the Policy directions. expertise and understanding of climate change
• Coordination and Monitoring: Facilitate and issues.
coordinate the implementation of BCCP priority • Reporting and Communication: Apprise relevant
actions across relevant government departments, authorities, such as Balochistan Environmental
and agencies. Monitor progress, identify risks and Protection Council, of the progress of BCCP
challenges, and propose necessary mitigation implementation. Develop a communication strategy
measures to ensure effective implementation. to raise awareness about BCCP goals, achievements,
• Public Disclosure: Establish a Climate Change and challenges among the public and media.
Dashboard to provide access to information Organise quarterly progress meetings to provide the
regarding BCCP targets and progress, climate sharing platform to all relevant partners.
finance, revenue and expenditures, aid flows, budget • Funding and Resource Mobilisation: Assisted by
allocations, procurement, and distribution processes the Climate Finance Unit, identify potential sources
to ensure transparency in BCCP implementation. of funding and support mechanisms, including public
Both the BCCP Cell and the Climate Finance Unit sector funds, to ensure the availability of necessary
should provide the necessary information and data financial resources for BCCP implementation.
for the populating the dashboard. The Climate Collaborate and engage with relevant institutions
Change and Environment Department will also and the private sector to explore and access climate
designate a Public Information Officer under the finance opportunities. Receive and review proposals
Balochistan Right to Information Act, 2021.29 from relevant partners before submission to donors.
• NDCs and LT-LEDS Implementation: Take lead on • Policy Integration and Regulatory Coordination:
operationalisation, and coordinate implementation, Work closely with relevant government entities to
of NDCs and the Long-Term Low Emission align/adjust existing policies, regulations, and laws
Development Strategy across Balochistan. with the objectives and targets outlined in the BCCP.
• BCCF Governance: Provide guidance for setting up Identify areas where new policies or regulations may
and managing the Balochistan Climate Change Fund be required to facilitate effective implementation.

29. Balochistan Right to Information Act, 2021. Government of Balochistan. Enacted 16 Feb 2021.
28 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Facilitate the approval of policy recommendations while addressing specific local needs. Establishing
from relevant government authorities. complementary provincial taxonomies aligned
with the national framework yet tailored to unique
• Review and Update: Periodically review and update
circumstances and priorities of the province will
the BCCP implementation plan based on changing
attract additional investors and streamline project
circumstances and climate trends, emerging
evaluations.
priorities, lessons learned, and evolving international
commitments. It should stay abreast of scientific • Data Collection and Baseline Assessment: A
findings and policy developments related to climate baseline assessment of relevant data, such as
change to inform decision-making processes. current emission levels, vulnerability to climate
impacts, and available resources will be made. The
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Establish a
data will regularly be collected and updated to track
complaint hotline at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat
progress over time. The BCCP Cell will collaborate
where complaints can be made through telephone,
with relevant government departments and research
email, website or in writing to prevent corruption and
institutions for data collection.
make climate action more effective and transparent
increasing citizens’ trust. This will also help reducing • Reporting Mechanism: A regular reporting
the possibility of conflict-of-interest situation. mechanism, with designated reporting entities within
each relevant department, will be implemented.
6.2. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting These reports will include updates on the status
The resilience building will depend largely upon an of policy actions, expenditures, and achieved
effective implementation of the BCCP, to be monitored milestones. Reports will be submitted by the BCCP
regularly and reported to the B4C as well as other Cell to the B4C and made publicly available.
decision-making forums for course correction. This would • Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): An M&E system
require a robust implementation and impact tracking to continuously assess the effectiveness of policy
framework and a set of specific, measurable, achievable, actions will be instituted. This system will include
relevant, and time-bound (SMART) indicators. regular reviews and both internal evaluations and
6.2.1 Framework for Tracking Policy Implementation external third-party assessments to identify strengths
and Impact and weaknesses in the policy’s implementation
and adapt accordingly, addressing challenges and
A comprehensive framework will enable the tracking
seizing new opportunities. The M&E system will
of BCCP implementation and its impact, ensuring that
also integrate participatory monitoring through
the policy remains effective and responsive to the
community engagement.
evolving climate challenges faced by Balochistan. Such
a framework will encompass the following elements to • Budget Allocation and Expenditure: The B4C will
ensure its effectiveness: ensure that budget allocations for climate actions
are adequately disbursed, and a financial tracking
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): A set of specific
mechanism is implemented to monitor the actual
and measurable KPIs for each policy objective
expenditure against the allocated budgets. Any
and action will be developed. These KPIs will align
budget shortfalls or surpluses will be reported to and
with the broader goals of the BCCP, covering both
addressed by the B4C.
mitigation and adaptation measures. A few KPIs are
mentioned in Section ‎6.2.3. • Multisectoral Approach: Climate change, being a
crosscutting phenomenon, requires multisectoral
• Climate Finance Taxonomy: The province will
engagements of private sector and academia,
collaborate and integrate with the national efforts
alongside international partners, in technical working
in developing a robust climate finance taxonomy
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 29

groups. Integrating climate considerations across all emerging risks, and new data, the B4C will steer the
sectors is essential; hence, this approach will ensure policy governance and implementation process.
integration of climate change considerations across
6.2.2 Progress Reporting Mechanism
all sectors.
Monitoring and reporting the progress are critical
• Stakeholder Engagement: There will be regular
strategies to ensure effectiveness of the BCCP. These
engagement with the relevant stakeholders,
will include:
including the government departments, local
communities, NGOs, academia, environmental • Annual BCCP Progress Report: An annual report
human rights defenders, human rights institutions, that outlines the progress made in implementing the
and the private sector, to gather feedback on policy BCCP will be prepared to document updates on each
implementation and its impact. Their insights will policy action and its impact, financial expenditure,
provide valuable information for making necessary and any challenges encountered.
adjustments. • Quarterly Updates: The quarterly updates on key
• Climate Resilience and Impact Assessments: The developments and milestones achieved will be
periodic climate resilience and long-term impact shared with the B4C and the public to maintain
assessments will be conducted to evaluate the transparency.
vulnerability of various sectors and geographical • Project-Level Reporting: For major projects or
areas in Balochistan. These assessments will help initiatives, a project-level reporting system will be
identify emerging challenges and adapt policy implemented that will include regular progress
actions accordingly. These may include multi-year reports, financial reports, and completion status.
impact assessments and research studies engaging
• Public Dashboard: The BCCP Cell will create an
the research institutions.
online dashboard accessible to the public, which
• Capacity Building: The training and capacity- tracks key performance indicators and provides
building programmes for government officials and real-time updates on the BCCP’s progress. This will
other stakeholders involved in policy implementation promote transparency and accountability.
will be designed and delivered to ensures that they
• Stakeholder Feedback Mechanism: A feedback
have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry
mechanism for stakeholders, including local
out their roles effectively.
communities and civil society organisations, will be
• Risk Assessment and Management: The BCCP Cell established to report concerns, provide feedback,
will regularly assess climate-related risks to policy and suggest improvements.
implementation and develop risk management
However, a robust M&E system will have to be built upon
strategies to address potential obstacles or
the provincial baseline of GHG emissions established
unforeseen challenges.
through a provincial and sectoral GHG inventory.
• Communication and Public Awareness: The GoB
6.2.3 Performance Indicators
will implement a communication strategy to keep
the public informed about policy progress and The performance indicators will help in tracking the
encourage climate action, and promote climate BCCP progress across various dimensions and ensuring
awareness and education at all levels, including that the policy is achieving its intended goals while
through schools and media. addressing the unique challenges faced by Balochistan.
To be refined and put in practice by the BCCP Cell
• Adaptive Management: Embracing an adaptive
under the guidance of the B4C, following is an indicative
management approach, where policies and actions
list of performance indicator to measure the policy
are adjusted in response to changing circumstances,
implementation:
30 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

• GHG Emissions Reduction: To measure the reduction agricultural practices and technologies, such as
in GHG emissions within Balochistan compared to drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation
baseline levels, the specific indicators may include systems.
annual emissions reductions and progress toward
• Economic Resilience: Evaluating the economic
long-term reduction targets.
impact of climate actions, including job creation,
• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Projects: A count economic diversification, and private sector
of the completed projects that enhance gender engagement in climate-resilient practices.
responsiveness climate resilience, such as resilient
• Health Resilience: Evaluating the capacity of the
transportation systems, climate-adaptive buildings,
healthcare system to respond to climate-induced
and flood protection infrastructure.
health challenges, including the availability of
• Climate Literacy and Awareness: Assessing the vaccines, disaster preparedness, and the reduction
increase in climate literacy among the population of climate-sensitive diseases.
through surveys, educational programmes, and
• Climate Adaptation at Local Levels: Measuring
awareness campaigns, the indicators may include
the integration of climate adaptation into local-level
the percentage of the population with improved
project designs and plans, particularly in vulnerable
climate awareness.
areas.
• Financial Expenditure: Tracking the allocation
• Educational Curriculum Inclusion: Tracking the
and expenditure of financial resources for climate
inclusion of climate change topics in the education
actions, the actual expenditure will be calculated as
curriculum at primary, secondary, and higher
percentage of the budget allocations.
education levels.
• Ecosystem Resilience: To be monitored in terms of
• Public Sector Capacity Building: Assessing the
the progress in restoring and enhancing ecosystem
effectiveness of training programmes and capacity-
resilience, including the planting of mangroves,
building efforts for government officials involved in
afforestation, and habitat restoration projects.
policy implementation.
• Local Community Engagement: Measured through
• Research and Innovation: Monitoring the progress
the level of local community engagement in
in research and innovation initiatives related to
climate and environmental initiatives, including the
climate change vulnerabilities and impacts.
participation of women and vulnerable communities
in climate adaptation and mitigation projects. • Gender and Social Inclusion: Measuring the
participation of women, youth, and marginalised
• Project Timelines and Milestones: Assessing
groups in climate action and their representation in
whether projects are completed within the specified
decision-making processes.
timelines achieving key milestones.

• Climate-Resilient Agriculture Adoption:

Determining the adoption rate of climate-resilient
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 31

Part - B

BCCP
Action Plan
32 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

7. Priority Sectors and Guidelines for

Climate Resilient Development

7.1. Adaptation through the creation of district-level drought

management plans specifically tailored for deserts,
7.1.1 Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
arid regions, and semi-arid areas of Balochistan.
Recognising the agriculture and livestock as backbone of
• Incentivise sustainable land management
Balochistan’s economy, the GoB will
discouraging harmful practices.
• Formulate policy initiatives and strategies to • Streamline regulations for the farmers selling directly
foster climate-resilient agriculture, tailored to the to consumers or local markets.
agroecological zones (Map 5).
• Integrate regenerative agriculture principles into
• Encourage sustainable horticulture practices that agricultural development plans. By creating an
prioritise climate-resilient crop varieties while enabling environment, the widespread adoption of
emphasising the goals of sustainable groundwater regenerative agriculture can be fostered leading
conservation and judicious usage. to a more sustainable, resilient, and productive
• Establish a robust and efficient climate-adaptive crop agricultural sector that benefits both farmers and the
advisory service, ensuring farmer access to seasonal environment.
and short-term weather forecasts based on climate • Develop strategies to support the growth of value
and weather data, with consideration for the seven chains and facilitate eco-labelling and packaging
agroecological zones and cropping patterns. of horticultural produce, such as apples, grapes,
• Promote and incentivise the mechanisation of apricots, cherries, pomegranates, almonds, and
farming operations to enhance farming efficiency, dates.
ensure timely completion of tasks, reduce climate- • Design and reinforce policies that promote the
related risks, increase yields, and minimise harvest integration of rainwater harvesting into agricultural
losses. methods, including practices like sailaba and
• Foster the development of locally suitable climate- khushkaba, through the encouragement of crop
resilient seed varieties through research facilitated diversification and locally suited water conservation
by public-private partnerships and collaboration practices.
with other provinces and national-level agricultural • Strengthen Agriculture Department’s Crop Reporting
research institutes. Services (CRS) by transitioning from manual data
• Offer incentives for the enhancement of irrigation collection in field to real-time crop monitoring using
water use efficiency through the adoption of modern remote sensing methods.
technologies, including high-efficiency irrigation • Engage with the banking and financial sector to
systems, for on-farm water management and the craft financial products and insurance mechanisms
implementation of an ICT-based pest surveillance that encourage the adoption of climate-adaptive
system. technologies.
• Periodically evaluate the suitability of crop species • Promote climate-adaptive high-production livestock
for each agroecological zone within Balochistan, breeds suited to the various zones of Balochistan.
guided by climate and vulnerability assessments.
• Promote aquaculture to support farmer livelihoods
• Improve climate-adaptive agricultural practices and a much-needed source of protein.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 33

Map 5: Balochistan’s Landcover

Source: FAO. 2017. Land Cover Atlas of Pakistan: The Balochistan Province.
34 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

• Support research and advisory services aimed at and scientific research to comprehensively
promoting high-nutrition feeds and climate-adaptive comprehend and monitor the impacts of climate
disease management in the livestock sector. change on biodiversity.

• Promote new climate compatible technologies in • Enhance the institutional and legal capacities of
fisheries such as fish cage-culture (either inland the Balochistan Forests and Wildlife Department to
or marine), recirculating aquaculture system, in- elevate biodiversity conservation practices.
pond raceway aquaculture system and Biofloc
• Decrease deforestation by offering alternative
technology. 30
domestic fuel sources and increasing forest cover
• Develop initiatives to support small farm holders through the promotion of native species and
and marginalised communities ensuring equitable agroforestry programmes, including agroforestry.
access to resources and technologies.
• Formulate locally suitable rotational grazing
• Develop clear guidelines on integrating indigenous practices in designated zones, providing incentives
farming knowledge with modern practices to to pastoralists and local communities to rehabilitate
enhance local acceptance and sustainability. depleted rangelands through rain harvesting and re-
vegetation initiatives.
7.1.2 Forests, Rangelands, Biodiversity and Wildlife
• Promote and introduce locally led payments for
To ensure environmental sustainability, protect the
ecosystem services for biodiversity conservation
ecosystem and reverse the environmental degradation
programmes, such as community-based trophy
in Balochistan, the GoB will:
hunting schemes, in suitable areas of Balochistan.
• Ensure the conservation and protection of
• Establish and manage protected areas for wildlife
biodiversity and incorporate biodiversity plans
that exhibit resilience to climate change. This
into provincial development strategies to mitigate
will involve the restoration of degraded habitats,
adverse impacts on forests, marine environments,
afforestation efforts, and the creation of corridors
and rangelands.
between protected areas to enable animal
• Formulate provincial adaptation strategies founded movement in response to the changing climate and
on ‘Ecosystem-based Adaptation’ and ‘Nature-based weather conditions.
Solutions’ approaches to enhance the resilience of
• Design targeted awareness campaigns and
fragile ecosystems and bolster adaptation to the
gender mainstreaming initiatives aimed at fostering
adverse effects of climate change.
community ownership, with a particular focus on
• Update the Balochistan Conservation Strategy and emphasising the significance of wildlife conservation,
foster the sustainable utilisation of biodiversity with the impacts of climate change on wildlife, and the
active participation from local communities. pivotal role of local communities in these efforts.
• Develop research programmes focused on • Strengthen the enforcement framework and build
biodiversity and conservation practices in capacity of local institutions and communities
collaboration with provincial universities and other responsible for biodiversity and forest conservation.
organisations. These programmes will be based on
the integration of indigenous ecological knowledge

30. Biofloc technology is a system of aquaculture that uses “microbial biotechnology to increase the efficacy and utilisation of fish
feeds, where toxic materials, such as nitrogen components, are treated and converted to a useful product, like proteins, for use as
supplementary feeds for the fish and crustaceans.”
Source: Jamal et al. 2020. Biofloc Technology: Emerging Microbial Biotechnology for the Improvement of Aquaculture Productivity.
Polish Journal of Microbiology. 69 (4): 401–409. doi:10.33073/pjm-2020-049.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 35

7.1.3 Water Resources funded Recharge Pakistan Programme31 with BCCP

objectives and will upscale its successful approaches
Overexploitation of groundwater, in the backdrop of water
across the province.
scarcity in the province, has become a pressing issue in
Balochistan’s agriculture sector. Unsustainable extraction To conserve and protect the precious water resources of
practices have led to depletion of aquifers, reduced water Balochistan, the GoB will:
availability, and increased salinity, jeopardising both
• Finalise the Balochistan Water Policy based on
agricultural productivity and water security. To mitigate
Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)
these impacts, a shift towards sustainable groundwater
approaches.
management practices is imperative through following
measures: • Establish and empower the Balochistan Groundwater
Management Authority to ensure the sustainable
• Regulating groundwater extraction: Implementing
management of groundwater resources.
stringent regulations on groundwater extraction will
curb excessive pumping and promote responsible • Actively promote the sustainable use of groundwater
water usage. This includes monitoring groundwater by implementing and strengthening basin-specific
levels, establishing quotas, enforcing licensing groundwater management and monitoring
requirements, and rationalising tube well solarisation. systems. This includes the development of the
Balochistan Groundwater Atlas and the adoption of
• Promoting water conservation technologies:
technical measures such as artificial recharge and
Encouraging the adoption of water-efficient irrigation
integrated watershed management, particularly for
techniques, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation,
depleted and threatened aquifers, with the aim of
will significantly reduce groundwater consumption.
conserving water resources and alleviating stress on
These technologies provide precise water
groundwater.
application, minimising wastage and optimising
water use. This will lower energy consumption • Revitalise, rehabilitate, and enhance the sustainable
associated with groundwater pumping and will governance of the karez water management system.
lead to the reduction of the GHG emissions from Additionally, will encourage the cultivation of low-
electricity generation, which is often heavily reliant delta crops in karez-irrigated zones.
on fossil fuels when peter engines are used. • Promote high-efficiency irrigation systems to
• Recharging aquifers: Implementing artificial enhance agricultural water use efficiency, including
recharge techniques, such as rainwater harvesting methods such as drip irrigation and rainwater
and groundwater recharge wells, will replenish harvesting. This will be facilitated through targeted
depleted aquifers and restore water balance. subsidies and the active involvement of the private
This strategy will help mitigate the effects of sector.
overexploitation and enhance water availability. By • Enhance water conservation efforts by improving and
preserving groundwater resources and preventing constructing water storage and recharge methods,
aquifer depletion, sustainable groundwater such as delay action dams, multi-purpose dams,
management practices can indirectly support leaky dams, and check dams. These endeavours will
wetland conservation and carbon sequestration. be informed by scientific water assessments based
The GoB will stress upon alignment of the GCF-

31. GCF: Recharge Pakistan (https://www.greenclimate.fund/project/fp207). Accessed: 21 Dec 2023.

36 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

on precipitation levels and water flows in various • Preserve and rehabilitate degraded fish habitats to
climatic zones across Balochistan. create sanctuaries for fish populations. This will be
achieved through marine conservation plans, the
• Develop a climate-resilient water resource
cultivation of riparian vegetation and appropriate
management framework grounded in basin-specific
mangrove species, the removal of barriers to fish
climate assessments for the seven agroecological
migration, and the reduction of marine pollution.
zones identified in the Balochistan Agriculture Policy
and Strategy of 2014. • Establish, expand, and reinforce the integrated
management of marine protected areas along
• Establish a policy and institutional framework and
the Balochistan coast, guided by locally suitable
bolster capacities for water licensing and pricing
ecological management plans and robust
mechanisms, ensuring judicious water use and the
enforcement mechanisms.
conservation of groundwater resources.
• Ensure that development initiatives in coastal
• Strengthen the existing spate irrigation systems,
areas, including projects such as the Gwadar Port,
such as sailaba and khushkaba, in targeted areas
Gadani Shipbreaking Yard, and energy development
to enhance water efficiency and mitigate flood risks.
projects, incorporate the active participation of the
• Improve canal irrigation system infrastructure local population to safeguard local livelihoods and
and governance to increase water productivity in marine ecosystems.
irrigated crops, particularly in rice production areas.
• Embark on efforts to restore and rehabilitate
• Actively promote household-level rainwater degraded marine ecosystems, encompassing the
harvesting by revising building regulations, conservation and afforestation of locally appropriate
introducing water-efficient technologies, and mangrove species.
conducting awareness creation programmes.
• Institute and expand coastal early warning systems
7.1.4 Coastal and Marine Ecosystems while enhancing the adaptive capacities of coastal
Realising great potential of ≈735 km long coast, and communities including the fisherfolk to effectively
associated ecosystem, the GoB will: respond to extreme weather events, such as
recurring cyclones.
• Undertake periodic marine fisheries stock
assessment for integrated management of marine • Implement measures to curtail coastal erosion and
ecosystem. sea intrusion along the 735 km coastline, particularly
in areas like Dam Bander, Pasni, Sur Bander,
• Ensure sustainable fishing practices by prohibiting
Pishukan, Jiwani, and others. These efforts are vital
destructive and illegal fishing practices, such as
for the preservation and protection of arable and
illegal trawling along the Balochistan coast, the use
productive land.
of illicit fishing gear and nets, and adjusting fishing
seasons and quotas to mitigate harm to marine • Work towards the reduction of marine and coastal
life. Illegal fishing also adds unaccounted carbon pollution and actively promote the sustainable use
footprint to the marine crafts’ GHG emissions. of marine resources. This includes sustainable
and climate-adaptive aquaculture and responsible
• Encourage and offer incentives for locally and
tourism development.
environmentally suitable aquaculture practices as a
climate adaptation measure to support sustainable • Ensure that strategies for coastal tourism
coastal livelihoods in the major coastal populations development encompass mandatory environmental
along the Balochistan coast. protection plans and the construction of climate-
resilient infrastructure, thus contributing to
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 37

pollution reduction and the safeguarding of coastal • Promote research and incentivise the development
infrastructure. of drought-resistant shrubs, fodder crops, and
grasses for pastures and oases to benefit livestock
• Climate proof the industrial development policies
in arid and mountain areas.
to include environmental impact assessments and
mitigation strategies. • Actively promote the adoption of local and hybrid
livestock species suitable for arid and desert
• Provide support mechanisms for fishing communities,
ecosystems, thus contributing to sustainable
such as alternative livelihood options and skills
livelihoods.
training, to adapt to new fishing regulations.
• Proactively engage women, transgender, and youth
7.1.5 Mountains, Deserts, Arid and Semi-Arid Areas
in spatial and NRM planning and implementation.
In the backdrop of diverse topographic expanse of the
7.1.6 Mining and Mineral Resources
province, the GoB commits to:
Being rich in mineral resources, through mainly
• Actively promote and incentivise water conservation
unexploited, the GoB will:
and management measures, such as rainwater
harvesting, guided by periodic climate and water • Formulate policy measures and establish
assessments in the desert zones of Balochistan, enforcement mechanisms for the sustainable
including Nushki, Chagai, Kharan and Washuk. management of water resources, including the
treatment of wastewater during mining operations.
• Establish and enhance the capacity of a robust
drought monitoring system in desert zones and • Enhance the capacities of the provincial Mines and
arid areas. This will be done in coordination with Minerals Department to effectively enforce provincial
Provincial and District Disaster Management environmental regulations, in collaboration with the
Authorities, agriculture and irrigation departments, Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
and other relevant organisations.
• Ensure the comprehensive restoration of mine sites
• Encourage and provide incentives for the cultivation upon the completion of mining operations, with
of drought-resistant crops and the adoption of the aim of mitigating erosion and sedimentation,
livestock breeds as climate adaptation measures to enhancing water quality, and creating new habitats
sustain subsistence livelihoods. for wildlife.

• Undertake climate change assessments in mountain • Incorporate climate change considerations into
area ecosystems and agriculture systems, leading to the Balochistan Mines and Minerals Policy of 2019,
the design of locally suitable adaptive measures for thus mitigating adverse consequences on fragile
fragile and vulnerable sectors. ecosystems and habitats.

• Foster coordination among pertinent departments, • Encourage sustainable mining practices by

including forests and wildlife, water resources and advocating for the utilisation of technologies and
irrigation, and agriculture and livestock departments, methods that minimise environmental impacts, with
to facilitate the efficient management of ecosystems, active participation from local communities.
including rangelands, wetlands, and other resources.
• Develop a climate change action plan specifically for
This coordination aims to combat desertification,
the mining sector. This plan will identify the sector’s
stabilise sand dunes, and maintain soil and sub-soil
GHG emissions and other climate impacts while
moisture and vegetative cover.
proposing measures to enhance water management,
• Discourage the cultivation of high delta crops and restore mine sites, and foster sustainable mining
water-intensive plant species in identified desert practices.
zones, arid areas, and semi-arid zones.
38 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

7.1.7 Urban Planning and Development harvesting systems.

Though trailing behind on urbanisation, the GoB will: • Document the informal settlements and develop
climate-resilient housing solutions for these
• Develop a climate-sensitive urban planning
unregulated but vulnerable populations.
framework to comprehensively integrate climate
change considerations into all aspects of urban 7.1.8 Human Health
planning and development.
Cognisant of the burden of disease in the province, the
• Conduct climate change impact and vulnerability GoB commits to:
assessments for all major urban centres and towns
• Integrate climate adaptation measures into
in Balochistan to identify areas most susceptible to
Balochistan’s health and education policies, and
climate change impacts, including issues like urban
MNCH plans.
flash flooding, air pollution, and extreme heat and
cold events. • Identify and systematically document the impacts
of climate change on human health, encompassing
• Invest in climate-resilient urban infrastructure to
factors such as heat and cold waves, air and water
mitigate climate risks, such as urban flooding,
pollution, droughts, flooding, and water quality.
energy conservation, green building development,
and creation of urban green spaces. • Incorporate the health implications of climate change
and disasters, such as vector-borne diseases like
• Collaborate with regional and international
malaria and dengue fever, into preparedness and
sustainable cities platforms and other urban
response strategies of both Balochistan Provincial
networks to engage in joint efforts related to climate-
and District-level Disaster Management Authorities.
resilient urban planning.
This includes providing psychological support where
• Review urban policies and planning strategies and needed.
revise building regulations to enhance water and
• Design and implement programmes in collaboration
energy efficiency within urban areas.
with the Balochistan Health Department to sensitise,
• Formulate urban municipal policies aimed at educate, and train health personnel and the public
transitioning urban services and processes, regarding climate change-related health issues and
particularly those related to solid waste and mitigation measures.
wastewater treatment, toward climate-resilience
• Establish institutional collaboration mechanisms
and carbon neutrality through integrated waste
with provincial and national health service providers
management, treatment, and disposal systems, with
to ensure effective preventive measures and
a focus on reusing and recycling.
the availability of resources, such as vaccines,
• Foster urban forestry and plantation initiatives medication, WASH facilities, and educational facilities
through partnerships with the Balochistan Forest and (schools, colleges, universities) during climate-
Wildlife Department and other relevant stakeholders, induced extreme events. Particular attention will be
including civil society organisations. given to the needs of women and other vulnerable
populations.
• Implement measures to make public services carbon-
neutral, green, and climate-resilient by incorporating • Conduct assessments and collect data about
energy efficiency, renewable energy usage, urban climate-sensitive diseases at both the provincial
tree planting, sustainable transportation methods, and district-level health service delivery systems.
paperless operations, and water efficiency initiatives. This data will inform the development of plans for
addressing seasonal and other disease outbreaks
• Develop inclusive policies and infrastructure for
effectively.
effective groundwater recharge through rainwater
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 39

7.1.9 Disaster Risk Management by historical data and future climate projections for
Balochistan.
On the frontline of the natural and climate induced
disasters’ vulnerability, the GoB will: • Operationalise District Disaster Management
Committees to ensure implementation of the BCCP
• Strengthen institutional coordination mechanisms
at grassroot levels.
for DRM with the goal of minimising the impacts of
climate-induced extreme events, including droughts,
7.2. Mitigation
floods, heat and cold waves, and cyclones, in the
coastal areas of Balochistan. 7.2.1 Energy

• Actively promote and prioritise NbS within DRM As per updated NDCs (2021), “Pakistan has an average
strategies. This includes the plantation of mangroves theoretical solar photovoltaic (solar PV) potential of 5.341
to mitigate the impacts of cyclones in coastal areas. kWh/m2 Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI) requiring only
0.071 percent of Pakistan’s total land area, mainly in the
• Enhance institutional-level mechanisms for flood
Balochistan province. If this potential is utilised, all of
management, the development of drainage systems,
Pakistan’s current energy needs can be met with solar
and readiness in canal command areas of southern
power alone.”32 To effectively mitigate climate change
Balochistan, with the aim of reducing flood risk.
and transition towards a sustainable energy future, GoB
• Conduct regular district-level climate change has prioritised the following interventions:
vulnerability and natural hazards vulnerability
• Harness Balochistan’s abundant renewable
assessments that inform the formulation of climate-
energy potential: Balochistan boasts vast
resilient DRM action plans to mitigate risks and
untapped renewable energy resources, including
ensure safety of citizens and establish a natural
solar, wind, and geothermal power. Following the
hazard early warning system through engagement
18th amendment, the provinces have the right to
with the local civil society organisations.
generate their own electricity and export the surplus
• Develop and regularly update comprehensive energy to the national grid. The GoB will focus on
emergency and evacuation preparedness plans the development of these resources by establishing
at district levels to outline response strategies for renewable energy zones, providing attractive
different types of climate related disasters to save incentives for renewable energy projects, and
human lives and mitigate loss of property. streamlining the regulatory process for renewable
energy installations and infrastructure security.
• Design and reinforce community-based and
The least-cost electrification options for at least
inclusive disaster preparedness response and risk
50 percent of the unelectrified population are
management systems based on identified climate-
solar-based mini-grids and stand-alone solar home
induced disasters. These systems will be tailored to
systems.33 However, given generalised groundwater
address specific events, such as cyclones in coastal
scarcity across the province, introduction of solar
areas, droughts in arid and semi-arid zones, flash
powered tube wells will be carefully researched and
and riverine floods in plains and mountain areas, and
promoted in the suitable regions only.
heat and cold waves. This design will be informed

32. Government of Pakistan. 2021. Pakistan: Updated Nationally Determined Contributions 2021. Islamabad: Ministry of Climate Change,
GoP.
33. WB. 2022. Pakistan: Country Climate and Development Report. Washington, DC: The World Bank Group.
40 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

• Enhance energy efficiency in electricity prioritise DER projects for rural electrification.
generation: There are currently six conventional
• Develop and implement comprehensive energy
fuel-based power plants in Balochistan. The main
policies and plans: A strengthened Energy
power producers for Balochistan are CPHGC, Uche
Department of Balochistan can play a crucial role in
1 and 2 while the remaining have had to stay offline
implementing climate change mitigation strategies
due to high import prices of fuels. Most of the power
in the energy sector. With strengthened oversight
generated is transmitted out of the province since
and regulatory capabilities, the GoB through the
the demand for the province is so low which could
Energy Department will ensure that energy projects
also be attributed to the grid capability and the bills
comply with environmental standards and contribute
recovery factor. These power plants are relatively
to GHG reduction targets. For energy efficiency, the
inefficient, leading to higher fuel consumption and
Provincial Designated Agency will be established as
emissions. The GoB will implement measures to
per the provisions of the National Energy Efficiency
improve the efficiency of existing power plants
and Conservation Act of 2016.
and will make sure that all such power plants even
which are being utilised as small captive units during • Empower communities through energy literacy
loadshedding time intervals will operate at the best and capacity building: The consumer profile in
efficiency points. Balochistan is very different than that of the rest
of the country. Agriculture customers make up less
• Upgrade and expand the electricity transmission
than 4 percent of the number of consumers but use
and distribution network: Balochistan’s electricity
73 percent of the electricity in the province. Industrial
transmission and distribution network is outdated
and commercial activities use less than 6 percent of
and inadequate, resulting in transmission losses
the electricity. Educating communities about climate
and hindering the integration of renewable energy
change and sustainable energy practices is crucial
sources. Due to the vast distances between
for fostering behavioural change and encouraging
load centres, distribution lines are spread across
participation in energy conservation efforts. The
above-rated lengths. The province has five 220 kV
GoB will invest in clean energy literacy programmes
distribution stations located in Quetta, Sibi, Loralai,
including clean cooking stoves initiatives and
Dera Murad Jamali and Khuzdar. There are no 500
provide training opportunities for local communities
kV grid stations, and most of the lines are 132 kV
to develop skills in renewable energy technologies
lines. The GoB will invest in upgrading the existing
and energy management practices.
grid infrastructure (such as Nukundi-Muzaffargarh
transmission line) and expanding the network • Establish renewable energy targets: To reduce
to reach remote areas through micro/mini grid the dependency on fossil fuels for energy needs,
renewable energy technologies and accommodate renewable energy targets and greenhouse gas
the growing demand for electricity. The GoB will reduction goals will be established. Further
stream effective working of the Balochistan Energy innovation and research into the use and promotion
Department with QESCO and NTDC to address the of renewable energy will be undertaken for the
grid efficiency issues. development of favourable regulatory frameworks
and incentives for renewable energy projects to be
• Promote distributed energy resources (DERs) for
introduced to promote green energy.
rural electrification: Balochistan has a large rural
population with limited access to grid electricity. 7.2.2 Transportation
DERs, such as solar mini-grids and microgrids, can The GoB has prioritised the following interventions
provide reliable and sustainable electricity access prioritised by keeping in view the balance between
to these communities, reducing reliance on fossil environmental sustainability and socioeconomic
fuels and improving energy security. The GoB will imperatives:
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 41

• Expanding public transportation and road network improving infrastructure, such as dedicated lanes
expansion: Investing in efficient, gender sensitive and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, can encourage
and accessible public transportation systems, healthier and more sustainable travel options.
including buses and trains, can significantly reduce
• Integrating renewable energy sources: The GoB
private vehicle usage and associated emissions.
will play its role in meeting the NDC target related
Successful initiatives such as the Green Bus Service
to the EVs penetration in Pakistan by incorporating
operating in Quetta,34 along with feeder routes and
renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind
women-dedicated pink buses operational in Karachi,
power, into the transportation sector, particularly for
will be scaled up by the GoB to other cities in the
public transportation and electric vehicle charging
province.
infrastructure, can reduce the sector’s carbon
• Greening the CPEC: While the connectivity under footprint.
CPEC is expected to provide economic dividends
• Discouraging the use of substandard cheap fuel
for the province, the GoB, through EPA and other
and promoting use of biofuels: To effectively
relevant agencies, will ensure that low carbon
combat the issue of substandard fuel utilisation
technologies are employed in development of CPEC
and mitigate its associated GHG emissions and
infrastructure as well as the industrial processes
promote use of biofuels, the GoB will formulate a
thereof.
comprehensive approach, encompassing regulatory
• Effective Vehicle Inspection Centres: In the measures, technological advancements, and public
vast and diverse province of Balochistan, where awareness initiatives.
road safety and environmental protection are
• Circular railway feasibility studies: Conducting
of paramount importance, vehicle inspection
thorough feasibility studies is crucial for the
centres stand as crucial checkpoints for ensuring
successful implementation of circular railways in
that vehicles meet emission standards and are
Balochistan. The GoB will carry out such studies
roadworthy, safeguarding both human lives and the
as they play a pivotal role in assessing the viability,
environment. Equipping vehicle inspection centres
economic feasibility, and potential impact of such
across Balochistan with modern equipment and
projects. They evaluate technical feasibility, estimate
technology is essential to accurately assess vehicle
passenger demand, assess financial viability, identify
emissions and safety. Advanced emission testing
potential routes, analyse environmental impact,
equipment can effectively detect harmful pollutants,
identify funding sources, assess social impact,
while sophisticated diagnostic tools can identify
provide decision-making support, and inform future
potential safety hazards. The GoB will invest in these
planning.
technological advancements, inspection centres can
effectively address vehicle-related environmental • Low-carbon marine vessels: The GOB will promote
and safety concerns, ensuring a safer and cleaner and support low-carbon alternate fuel-based
transportation system for the province. fishing and seagoing vessels, and harbour crafts
with improved engine technology, such as 4 stroke
• Enhancing non-motorised transport: The GoB will
(instead of 2 stroke) engines for the fishing boats.
introduce schemes which will lead towards creating
a conducive environment for cycling and walking by

34. Car Base: Quetta to Get New Bus Service Next Week (https://propakistani.pk/2023/07/10/quetta-to-get-new-bus-service-next-week/).
Accessed: 5 Dec 2023.
42 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

7.2.3 Agriculture • Renewable energy and energy efficiency

interventions: The GoB will develop and facilitate
The GoB has prioritised the following interventions in the
projects for improving energy efficiency through
agriculture sector:
adopting energy-efficient technologies under the
• Promoting climate-smart agriculture practices: appliance replacement programme, implementing
The GoB will focus on embracing climate-smart energy management systems, and promoting
agriculture practices which is crucial for reducing renewable energy sources which will significantly
GHG emissions from the agriculture sector while reduce the industrial sector’s carbon footprint. The
ensuring food security. Introducing drought- GoB will give special emphasis on these interventions
tolerant crop varieties will significantly reduce in the Special Economic Zones, Industrial Parks and
water consumption and enhance crop productivity specifically in the Mines and Mineral Sector value
in drought-prone areas. Further, implementing chain. 35
practices that enhance soil health, such as organic
• Adoption of cleaner production technologies: The
matter management and reduced tillage, will
GoB will promote cleaner production practices which
increase soil carbon sequestration, improve soil
production practices involve process optimisation,
structure, and enhance water retention capacity.
minimising the use of hazardous chemicals and
Optimising fertiliser application through precision
waste, improving waste management, and recycling
agriculture techniques will further reduce excessive
and reusing materials. These practices will not only
nutrient inputs, minimising nitrous oxide (N2O)
reduce environmental impact but also will enhance
emissions, a potent GHG associated with nitrogen
resource efficiency and cost saving.
fertiliser production and application. Community
sensitisation and exposure to the sustainable and • Incentives for decarbonisation: The GoB will
low-carbon practices will be pivotal in this regard. consider giving financial incentives, such as tax
breaks, subsidies, or grants, to businesses that
• Expanding agroforestry practices: The GoB will
adopt decarbonisation measures in line with
expand and promote the agroforestry practices due
Pakistan’s Long-Term Vision and upcoming LT-LEDS.
to multiple benefits for climate change mitigation
These incentives will help to offset the upfront costs
and adaptation. Planting trees on farms will provide
of implementing energy-efficient technologies,
shade, reduce wind erosion, improve soil fertility,
renewable energy systems, or carbon capture and
and enhance carbon sequestration.
storage (CCS) technologies.
• Economic incentives: Introduce economic
• Promoting Renewable Energy Certificates
incentives and support mechanisms for the farmers
(RECs), Carbon Markets and Science Based
to adopt climate-smart and water-efficient practices.
Targets Initiative (SBTi): The GoB will facilitate the
This may also be in terms of transfer of advanced
industrial sector in enhancing their understanding
agricultural technologies, such as precision farming
about the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs),
and digital tools, to support climate-smart agriculture.
Carbon Markets and Science Based Targets
7.2.4 Industrial Processes Initiative (SBTi). This will include workshops, training
The GoB has prioritised the following interventions which programmes, and access to expert resources and
are essential to be considered under the policy ambit: experts. Besides this, there is a need to develop
Provincial GHG inventory to track the progress

35. Balochistan to establish four industrial zones. The Express Tribune, 17 May 2022 (https://tribune.com.pk/story/2356933/balochistan-to-
establish-four-industrial-zones). Accessed: 5 Dec 2023.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 43

towards the anticipated Provincial NDC targets and carbon market regulations, MRV system, GHG
connectivity with the respective carbon registry for inventory and institutional mechanisms.
the corresponding adjustments.
• Introduce economic incentives for forest
7.2.5 Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry conservation, such as payment for ecosystem
(LULUCF) services, access-benefit sharing regime and REDD+
strategies.
In line with NCCP 2021, the GoB will take the following
mitigation measures on priority: • Integrate LULUCF strategies with other sectoral
policies, such as agriculture, energy and urban
• Ensure full scale feasibility and due diligence,
development, through climate proofing of these
spearhead by the Board of Revenue, before allowing
policies and making requisite amendments.
change of land use especially in case of agricultural
and forest lands and protected landscapes. The 7.2.6 Waste
same measure will be adopted for coastal areas.
The GoB has prioritised the following mitigation
• The Board of Revenue should identify public lands to interventions in the waste sector:
be allocated for public-private partnership projects
• Prioritising waste reduction by minimising the
for renewable energy, value added agriculture, and
waste stream at source: Waste reduction at its
commercial forestry.
source is the cornerstone of sustainable waste
• Enhance the capacity of Forest Department and management. The GoB will promote and implement
other stakeholders for the effective development different waste minimisation strategies, such as
and implementation of innovative mechanisms promoting reusable products, encouraging eco-
aimed at preventing deforestation and increasing friendly packaging, and advocating for sustainable
forest carbon stocks. consumption habits, which will significantly reduce
the amount of waste generated in the first place. This
• Develop and implement strategies to prevent
approach will not only minimise the GHG emissions
deforestation, reduce carbon emissions and improve
but also will conserve resources and will reduce the
forests’ ability to sequester more emissions from the
burden on waste management infrastructure.
atmosphere.
• Promoting resource recovery by turning waste
• Launch projects and programmes to provide
into resources: By establishing robust recycling
alternative fuel and livelihood options for forest-
infrastructure, including efficient collection systems,
dependent communities to compensate avoiding
sorting facilities, and recycling markets, the GoB will
deforestation.
effectively recover valuable materials like paper,
• Promote farm forestry and agro-forestry practices plastic, metal, and organic waste. This approach
through the plantation of multipurpose and fast- will not only mitigate GHG emissions but also will
growing tree species to meet the local population’s promote circular economy principles.
demand for fuel, timber, and livestock feed.
• Exploring waste-to-energy solutions: Waste-to-
• Integrate carbon offsetting options into the provincial energy technologies offer a promising solution
projects through nature-based solutions. for converting non-recyclable waste into usable
• Ensure effective harnessing of the carbon financing energy.35 The GoB by promoting investments in
mechanisms through development of the provincial waste-to-energy facilities, such as incinerators with

36. NEPRA. 2018. NEPRA grants generation licence to Pakistan first waste to energy project (https://nepra.org.pk/Admission%20
Notices/2018/July/PRESS%20RELEASE-%20Solid%20Waste.pdf): Press Release. Accessed: 5 Dec 2023.
44 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

energy recovery systems, will harness the energy • Investing in public transportation and active
content of waste at appropriate sites, reducing mobility: The GoB will develop efficient and
landfill reliance and generating electricity or heat. accessible public transportation systems, including
buses, trains, and rapid transit networks which is
• Fostering collaboration and innovation: Effective
crucial for reducing reliance on private vehicles
climate change mitigation in Balochistan’s waste
and associated GHG emissions. Additionally, the
sector requires a collaborative approach that brings
GoB will promote active mobility infrastructure,
together government agencies, non-governmental
such as dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian-
organisations, businesses, and communities.
friendly sidewalks and other forms of non-motorised
By working together, stakeholders can develop
transportation. This will not only mitigate emissions
innovative waste management solutions, share best
but will also promote healthier lifestyles with the
practices, and promote sustainable waste disposal
reduction in traffic congestion.
practices across the province.
• Prioritising green infrastructure and urban
• Regulatory Framework: Develop a robust regulatory
greenery: The GoB will incorporate green
framework to support and enforce sustainable waste
infrastructure, such as parks, green roofs, and green
management practices across the province.
construction codes, into urban planning which will
• Public awareness and participation: Prepare significantly enhance cities’ resilience to climate
comprehensive and effective public awareness and change. Green infrastructure will absorb rainwater,
participation plan regarding waste management reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air
practices and deploy the same for public engagement quality, and enhance biodiversity. Additionally,
on waste management. expanding urban greenery, including trees, shrubs,
• Infrastructure Development: Design and develop and vegetation will provide shade, reduce heat
climate resilient and culturally acceptable waste stress, and improve the overall liveability of the
management infrastructure, particularly in rural and urban spaces.
underdeveloped areas, with active engagement of • Embracing energy efficiency and renewable
communities and the private sector. energy integration: Promoting energy-efficient
7.2.7 Urban Planning buildings and infrastructure is essential for reducing
GHG emissions in Balochistan’s urban areas. The
Balochistan’s urban centres, rapidly expanding and facing
GoB will promote and implement the energy-
the impacts of climate change, demand a transformative
efficient building codes through the Balochistan
approach to urban planning. Conventional urban planning
Building Control and Town Planning Rules, 2021,
practices, often prioritising growth over sustainability,
encourage sustainable construction practices,
have contributed to increased GHG emissions, intensified
bulk energy in-efficient appliance replacement
resource depletion, and accelerated the impacts of
programme and retrofits in the existing buildings
climate extremes. To address these challenges and
which will significantly lower energy consumption
foster sustainable and resilient cities, the GoB will focus
and subsequently the associated GHG emissions.
on the following interventions:
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 45

8. BCCP Priority Action Plan

To honour the BCCP commitments (Part A) and materialise the sectoral priorities and guidelines (Section 7
‎ ), the
following short-term (1-3 years), medium-term (4-6 years) and long-term (7-10 years) priority actions will be undertaken
by the respective stakeholders. The same will be monitored and reported as delineated in Section ‎6.

Sector Priority Action Institutional Responsibility Timeframe

Agriculture, • Promote climate-adaptive agriculture • Academia Medium-term

Livestock, and livestock through extension • Agriculture & Cooperatives
and Fisheries services. Department
• Promote sustainable horticulture • Balochistan Coastal Development
with prioritising resilient crops and Authority (BCDA)
managing groundwater wisely.
• Balochistan EPA
• Under the crop advisory service,
• Board of Investment (BOI)
provide farmers with zone-specific
weather forecasts. • Climate Change & Environment
Department (CC&ED)
• Encourage farm mechanisation to
enhance efficiency, reduce risks, and • Fisheries & Coastal Development
increase yields. Department
• Introduce climate-resilient seeds • Food Department
and develop locally suited varieties • Forest & Wildlife Department (FWD)
through partnerships. • Irrigation Department
• Incentivise water efficiency with • Livestock & Dairy Development
efficient irrigation systems financing. Department (L&DDD)
• Regularly undertake. cropping • Local Government & Rural
suitability assessment based on Development Department (LG&RDD)
climate and vulnerability.
• On Farm Water Management
• Prepare drought management plans, (OFWM) Directorate
tailored for deserts, arid and semi-
arid zones. • Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS)
• Support growth, eco-labelling, • PDMA Balochistan
and packaging of fruits to develop • Planning & Development
horticulture value chains: Department (P&DD)
• Introduce modern crop monitoring • Pakistan Meteorological Department
through real-time data via remote (PMD)
sensing, replacing manual surveys. • Private sector banks and micro-
• Boost farmer adoption of climate- finance providers
adaptive technology by partnering • Social Welfare Department
with banks to offer financing and
insurance. • Women Development Department

• Incentivise sustainable land

management discouraging harmful
practices.
• Streamline regulations for the
farmers selling directly to consumers
or local markets.
• Integrate regenerative agriculture
principles into agricultural
development plans. By creating
an enabling environment,
the widespread adoption of
regenerative agriculture can
be fostered leading to a more
sustainable, resilient, and productive
agricultural sector that benefits both
farmers and the environment.
46 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Sector Priority Action Institutional Responsibility Timeframe

• Raise livestock productivity by

introducing climate-resilient breeds
for different zones.
• Promote aquaculture for livelihoods
and protein.
• Nurture livestock health by research
on nutritious feeds and adaptive
disease management.
• Implement community-based
extension services for agriculture
and livestock for ready adoption of
modern practices.
• Improve agricultural practices and
land management practices with use
of low-carbon technology.
• Encourage better water
management with high efficiency
irrigation systems.
• Establish Agromet Centers for
Improving farmers access to
localised information.
• Introduce high yield and high value
crops.
• Encourage better crop value
management industry.
• Introduce soil regeneration,
agroforestry, and permaculture.
• Utilise renewable energy resources
for agricultural operations.
• Encourage climate-smart agriculture
practices like hydroponic and
advance techniques covering value
chain of different crops.
• Prepare projects leading to
promotion and wide scale adoption
of low on-farm energy consumption.
• Develop canal infrastructure for
water conservation (i.e. Kachhi Canal
project)
• Undertake soil fertility study and
develop a GIS portal.
• Provide flood relief and support
programme for agriculture
development in flood-hit areas.
• Support and capacitate local
governments in implementing
adaptation strategies at local level.
• Proactively engage women,
transgender and youth in design,
implementation, and monitoring of
NRM initiatives.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 47

Sector Priority Action Institutional Responsibility Timeframe

Coastal • The fragile coastal and marine • Balochistan EPA Long-term

and Marine ecosystems can be protected • CC&ED
Ecosystems through the following actions for
• BCDA
adapting to climate change impacts:
• Community Support Organisations
• Sustainable Fishing: Ban harmful
practices and stop illegal trawling, • Culture, Tourism & Archives
nets, and adjust seasons/quotas. Department
• Aquaculture and Habitat: Promote • Fisheries Department
eco-friendly aquaculture to support • FWD
coastal livelihoods with climate-
• Gwadar Development Authority
adapted practices.
(GDA)
• Restore fish habitats: Create
• Gwadar Industrial Estate
sanctuaries with marine
Development Authority (GIEDA)
conservation plans and mangrove
restoration. • Lasbela University of Agriculture,
Water & Marine Sciences (LUAWMS)
• Marine Protected Areas: Expand and
manage MPAs and implement local • LG&RDD
management plans through strong • Pakistan Coast Guards
enforcement mechanisms. • Pakistan Maritime Security Agency
• Community Engagement: Involve (PMSA)
local communities to ensure their • Women Development Department
participation in coastal development
projects.
• Ecosystem Restoration: Restore
degraded ecosystems through
conservation and afforestation of
mangroves.
• Resilience and Preparedness:
Design and operationalise early
warning systems to improve
response to extreme weather like
cyclones.
• Coastal protection: Reduce erosion
and sea intrusion and protect arable
land.
• Reduce marine and coastal
pollution by promoting sustainable
aquaculture and tourism, protect
freshwater streams to release
unpolluted water into the sea.
• Promote climate-resilient and
inclusive tourism by incorporating
mandatory environmental plans and
resilient infrastructure.

Disaster Risk Better disaster preparedness through: • Academia Short-term

Management • Installing enhanced early warning • ACD
system. • Balochistan Development Authority
• Installing digital advanced telemetry • Balochistan EPA
with hydro-meteorological
• Balochistan PDMA
monitoring system.
• BCDA
• Installing early warning and post
flood mitigation systems. • CC&ED
• Better and gender responsive • DDMAs and District Management
disaster management programme. • Education Department
• Capacity building and awareness • Fisheries & Coastal Development
raising. Department
48 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Sector Priority Action Institutional Responsibility Timeframe

• Rehabilitation of natural water • Food Department

courses. • FWD
• Development of check-dams, ponds, • Gwadar Development Authority
and underground water recharge
• Health Department
facilities to manage water flooding.
• Irrigation Department
• Development of comprehensive and
inclusive emergency and evacuation • L&DDD
preparedness plans. • LG&RDD
• Active engagement of women, • OFWM Directorate
transgender, youth, communities
• P&DD
at large, civil society organisations,
environmental human rights • P&DD
defenders, and human rights • PBS
institutions. • PDMA Balochistan
• PMD
• Private Sector
Climate-induced disaster risk Medium-term
management can be enhanced by the • Private sector banks and micro-
following action areas: finance providers
• Improve coordination across • Public Health Engineering
institutions to manage climate Department (PHED)
disasters like droughts, floods, • Quetta Development Authority
heatwaves, and cyclones in a • Social Welfare Department
gender sensitive manner by
prioritising the needs of women and • Women Development Department
other vulnerable groups.
• Prioritise Nature-based Solutions:
Utilise nature-based solutions like
mangrove planting to buffer coastal
areas from cyclones and watershed
management.
• Flood Management: Enhance
institutions for flood control,
drainage systems, and preparedness
in flood-prone areas.
• Local Risk Assessments: Regularly
assess climate vulnerabilities at the
district level to inform local disaster
plans.
• Design and empower community-
based response systems tailored to
specific climate risks like cyclones,
floods, droughts, and extreme
temperatures.
• Data-driven Plans: Use historical
data and climate projections to
ensure disaster plans are future-
proofed.
• Devise Local Adaptation Plans
of Actions (LAPAs) and WASH
Adaptation Plans at district level
involving DDMAs and District
Administration
• Engage communities and build their
capacity to protect forest fires.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 49

Sector Priority Action Institutional Responsibility Timeframe

Energy Improving energy access and capitalising • Academia Long-term

(generation, indigenous resources by: • Balochistan EPA
transmission, • Utilising RE (wind, solar, waste/ • Development Authorities
distribution) biomass, etc.) potential for district-
• Energy Department
wise access of reliable electricity in
Balochistan • Finance Department
• Development and implementation of • Forest Department
micro grids • NTDC
• Private sector participation • P&DD
• Promoting green technologies • PPIB
for meeting energy needs and
• QESCO
development of pilot project
• SEZs
• Enabling fuel switching and biofuels
• SNGPL
• Improving capacity and awareness
raising
• Introducing policy intervention
where required
• Enforcement and technological
interventions to reduce GHG
emissions.
• Strengthening of Energy Department
of Balochistan
• Establishment of Designated
Agencies to supplement Energy
Efficiency Interventions.
• Net-metering program for single
phase consumers
• Localised R&D projects
• Inclusion of Balochistan Clean/
Renewable Energy projects in the
Indicative Generation Capacity
Expansion Plan (IGCEP)
• Aligning all present/future Energy
Plan and Policies of Balochistan with
the provisions of the NCCP 2021 and
NDC of Pakistan

Forests, Conservation of forests, biodiversity, and • Academia Long-term

Rangelands, wildlife protection through the following • Balochistan EPA
Biodiversity, action areas while adapting to the
• CC&ED
Wildlife, challenges of climate change:
and other • District Management
• Integrate biodiversity plans into
Vulnerable provincial development, mitigating • Finance Department
Ecosystems harm to forests, coasts, and • FWD
rangelands.
• Livestock Department
• Build ecosystem resilience through
“Nature-based Solutions” and
“Ecosystem-based Adaptation”
approaches.
• Update Balochistan Conservation
Strategy with local community
participation
• Develop research programs on
biodiversity and conservation,
combining indigenous knowledge
with scientific research.
50 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Sector Priority Action Institutional Responsibility Timeframe

• Strengthen the Balochistan • Local and International Conservation

Forests and Wildlife Department's Organisations (e.g. IUCN, WWF-
capabilities. Pakistan)
• Offer alternative fuel sources and • LG&RDD
promote native species/agroforestry • P&DD
to increase forest cover.
• PMD
• Implement rotational grazing,
• Public and Private Sector Research
incentivise restoration with rain
Universities
harvesting and re-vegetation.
• Revenue Department
• Financial Incentives: Introduce
locally led payments for ecosystem • Women Development Department
services like community-based
trophy hunting.
• Establish and manage protected
areas for climate-resilient wildlife.
• Restore degraded habitats, plant
trees, and create wildlife corridors.
• Raise Awareness: Conduct targeted
campaigns to promote community
ownership of conservation efforts,
establish Botanical Gardens and
promote fuel-efficient cook stoves.
Afforestation, land-use improvement,
preserving biodiversity, conserving
ecosystem, and development of REDD+
project through:
• Forest management;
• Forest fire management;
• Cultivation of medicinal herbs;
• Torrent flood management;
• Livelihood improvement and poverty
alleviation through introduction of
value chain management for the
medicinal herbs and herbal organic
products;
• Promotion of ecotourism;
• Wildlife preservation;
• Engagement of women, transgender,
and youth; and
• Introducing trophy hunting for socio-
economic development.

Human • Climate-proofing of health systems • Colleges, Higher & Technical Medium-term

Health in Balochistan. Education Department
• Policy linkages by incorporating • Health Department
climate adaptation into health and • Local Government
education policies.
• PDMA Balochistan
• Document and disseminate risks
• PPHI
by identifying and tracking climate
impacts on human health such • Public Health Engineering
as heatwaves, air pollution, water • School Education Department
quality, disease outbreaks.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 51

Sector Priority Action Institutional Responsibility Timeframe

• Train and educate health personnel

and communities about climate-
related health issues and mitigation
measures.
• Strengthen response by integrating
climate risks into disaster response
plans, including support for vector-
borne diseases and mental health.
• Institutional collaboration and
resource sharing to ensure access
to vaccines, medication, and WASH
facilities during extreme weather
events, and prioritising women and
vulnerable group.
• Monitor and track disease outbreaks
at provincial and district levels to
inform response plans.
• Sustainable and holistic health
management programme under PPP
mode to manage the disasters.

Industrial • Renewable energy and energy • Authorities having Jurisdiction Long-term

Processes efficiency interventions through (AHJs)
and Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) • Balochistan EPA
Production model
• Chamber of Commerce & Industries
• Adoption of cleaner production
• Finance Department
technologies
• GCISC
• Incentives for decarbonisation,
cleaner production technologies • Industrial Department
including carbon capture and • MoCC&EC
storage (CCS) and pilot projects be
• P&DD
implemented in HUB industrial area.
• Revenue Department
• Promoting Renewable Energy
Certificates (RECs), Carbon Markets • SEZs
and Science Based Targets Initiative • Transport Department
(SBTi)
• Facilitating development of GHG
inventories
• Making EIA/IEEs more effective
specifically for Mines and Minerals
projects and establishing continuous
monitoring mechanism.
• Developing provisions, projects and
facilitation for the carbon offsetting
projects
• Aligning all present/future Industrial
Plan and Policies of Balochistan with
the provisions of the NCCP 2021 and
NDC of Pakistan.
• Training of labour the use and
maintenance of modern lean green
Industrial machinery
52 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Sector Priority Action Institutional Responsibility Timeframe

• Exploring schemes like Just Energy

Transition Partnership (JET-Ps) to
persuade the emissions Intensive
Industrial units/cluster for phasing
out use of conventional fuel-based
energy generating units/processes
and considering mining of such fuel
from their respective sources.
• Facilitation to SMEs like brick kilns
for their conversion to energy
efficient kilns and energising
process operations by uninterrupted
supply of clean and green energy.
• Conduct of energy and environment
assessments for promotion,
facilitation, and implementation of
different standards management
systems
• Carbon-proof the shipbreaking and
boat-building industry in the coastal
areas.

Infrastructure • Adoption, promulgation, and • Academia Long-term

Develop- dissemination of green buildings • Balochistan EPA
ment codes through:
• CBOs
• Announcement of standards
• Development Authorities
• Enforcement of codes or cost
• Development Partners
effective economical prescriptive
parameters focusing on insulation • Energy Department
and other measures such as green • Finance Department
roofs, traditional house insulation
• Forest Department
concepts.
• Irrigation Department
• Private sector participation
• NGOs
• Training of technical manpower and
skilled labour • PCATP, PEC
• Supply chain of local material • P&DD
• Providing concessional financing • Works Department
• Bulk procurement of standardised
super-efficient devices
• Establishment of Appliance Testing
labs
• Develop clean cooking, heating, and
cooling projects preferably focusing
on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement
to benefit from carbon markets.
• Effective awareness campaigns for
energy and water conservation.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 53

Sector Priority Action Institutional Responsibility Timeframe

Mining and • Policy design and enforcement by • Balochistan EPA Medium-term

Mineral developing regulations and enforce • CC&ED
Resources mechanisms for sustainable water
• Industries & Commerce Department
management and wastewater
treatment in mining. • Mines & Minerals Department
• Improve the Mines and Minerals
Department's capabilities to enforce
environmental laws, together with
the EPA.
• Ensure complete restoration of mine
sites to prevent erosion, improve
water quality, and create new wildlife
habitats.
• Update policies by integrating
climate change considerations into
the 2019 Mining Policy to protect
fragile ecosystems and habitats.
• Promote technologies and methods
that minimise environmental impacts
with active community involvement.
• Develop a sector-specific plan by
identifying the mining sector's GHG
emissions and climate impacts,
proposing measures like water
management, mine site restoration,
and sustainable practices

Mountains, • Promote rainwater harvesting in • Agriculture & Cooperatives Medium-term

Deserts, Arid desert zones (such as Nushki, Department
& Semi-Arid Chagai, Kharan, Washuk) guided by • Balochistan Agricultural Research
Areas climate and water assessments. & Development Centre (BARDC),
• Enhance robust drought monitoring Quetta
systems in deserts and arid areas. • CC&ED
• Climate-proofing of livelihoods by • Culture, Tourism & Archive
encouraging drought-resistant crops Department
and resilient livestock breeds for
• FWD
subsistence.
• Irrigation Department
• Conduct climate assessments and
design local adaptation measures • L&DDD
for mountain ecosystems and • LG&RDD
agriculture
• National Drought Monitoring & Early
• Forest, water, agriculture, and Warning Centre, Islamabad
livestock departments to work
• PMD
together to manage ecosystems,
prevent desertification, and maintain
soil moisture and vegetation.
• Discourage water-intensive crops in
deserts, arid, and semi-arid zones.
• Research and incentivise drought-
resistant fodder and grasses for
livestock in arid and mountain areas.
• Promote local and hybrid livestock
species suitable for arid and desert
ecosystems
54 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Sector Priority Action Institutional Responsibility Timeframe

Procurement • Incorporate green procurement • B-PPRA Medium-term

principles into the Balochistan • Finance Department
Public Procurement Rules and
• Relevant Line Departments
develop relevant guidelines for the
implementers.
• Establish and enforce environmental
standards in procurement process,
such as ISO 14001 certification.
• Implement lifecycle and supply
chain assessment into procurement
process to assess the carbon
footprint of the goods and services
being procured and to encourage
procurement of low carbon and
waste products.
• Provide transparent guidelines for
preferred treatment to procure
ecofriendly and energy-efficient
products.
• Provide training to procurement
officials across entire public sector
and raise awareness of relevant
stakeholders on green procurement
principles and practice.

Transport • Development and expansion • Academia Long-term

of electric/hybrid buses-based • Balochistan EPA
mass-transit system infrastructure • Commercial Banks and SBP
with feeder routes connecting all
• Energy Department
main areas with dedicated female
• Finance Department
transport service having female
drivers. • Irrigation Department
• Easing bank leasing for Hybrid/ • Pakistan Railways
Electric Vehicles • P&DD
• Enhancing effectiveness of Vehicle • Revenue Department
Inspection Centres and bringing • TEVTA
private vehicles under Its ambit. • Transport Department
• Feasibility studies for circular railway
In Pakistan
• Adoption of e-mobility through:
• Awareness
• Waiver of provincial taxes and
registration fees
• Conversion of public transport to
electric
• Development of EV charging
infrastructure
• Announcement of concessional
financing scheme for easier and
smoother implementation of the EV
policy and faster integration of EVs
in the transport system
• Trainings for maintenance and
troubleshooting of Hybrid/Electric
vehicles and allied machinery/
Infrastructure.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 55

Sector Priority Action Institutional Responsibility Timeframe

Urban Plan- • Design climate-sensitive frameworks • Balochistan EPA Short-term

ning and De- by integrating climate considerations • Balochistan PDMA
velopment into all urban planning and • CC&ED
development. • Communication Works, Physical
• Identify susceptible areas to Planning & Housing Department
flooding, air pollution, and extreme • Energy Department
weather in major cities/towns.
• FWD
• Invest in climate-resilient
• LG&RDD
infrastructure for urban flood
mitigation, energy-efficient buildings, • Local Government and Municipal
green spaces, and sponge city Authorities
approaches. • P&DD
• Share knowledge and best practices • Transport Department
for sustainable urban planning.
• Review and revise urban policies
and building codes to promote water
and energy efficiency.
• Transition urban services like waste
management towards recycling and
renewable energy
• Robust participatory monitoring and
reporting system using information
technology.
• Ban single use of plastic and
introduce e-waste disposal and
management.
• Encourage urban forestry by
partnering with Forest Department
and NGOs to plant trees.
• Promote and encourage carbon-
neutral public services through
green offices, electric buses,
rainwater harvesting.
• Devise Local Adaptation Plan of
Actions (LAPAs) at district level
involving DDMAs and District
Administration.
• Incorporating SDGs and the
sustainability aspects in the urban
planning for expansion of cities/new
cities.
56 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Sector Priority Action Institutional Responsibility Timeframe

Waste • Awareness raising and capacity • Academia Long-term

building. • Authorities having Jurisdiction
• Adoption of better waste (AHJs)
management techniques • CC&ED
• Development of scientific landfill • Development Authorities
sites at selected districts
• District Management
• Development and facilitation for
• EPA-Balochistan
Waste to Energy Projects.
• Finance Department
• Development of climate sensitive
Sanitation and Solid Waste • LG&RDD
Management Policy. • Municipal Corporations
• Recognition of the role of • P&DD
communities in solid waste
• PHED
management.
• Religious institutions
• Revenue Department

Water • Develop an IWRM-based Water • Board of Revenue Balochistan Medium-term

Resource Policy to manage water resources • CC&ED
Management holistically across sectors.
• Inter-Provincial Coordination
• Empower the Groundwater Authority Department
to ensure sustainable groundwater
• Irrigation Department
use.
• LG&RDD
• Monitor and Manage Groundwater
by implementing basin-specific • Municipal Authorities
systems, and developing a • National Drought Monitoring & Early
Groundwater Atlas Warning Centre
• Revitalise karez system by • PMD
promoting low-water crops in karez-
• P&DD
irrigated areas.
• Private and Public Sector Research
• Encourage high-efficiency systems
Universities
like drip irrigation and rainwater
harvesting. • PHED
• Construct dams and recharge
structures based on climate
assessments.
• Develop basin-specific frameworks
to tailor water management to
agroecological zones.
• Implement water licensing and
pricing: promote judicious use and
conservation.
• Improve sailaba and khushkaba
systems for efficiency and flood
mitigation.
• Upgrade canal infrastructure to
enhance water productivity for
irrigated crops like rice.
• Revise building codes to
improve accessibility and energy
conservation, introduce water-
efficient technologies, and raise
awareness to promote household
rainwater harvesting.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 57

Part - C

BCCP
Financing Strategy
58 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

9. Balochistan’s Climate Finance Requirements

Among other dimensions of human life and livelihoods, and USD 9 billion from public-private partnerships for
the climate change has also impacted the governance infrastructure projects. Based on the assessment, it
domain and financial space for adaptation and mitigation suggests three financial measures:
actions. The UN Financing for Sustainable Development
1. Optimising the utilisation of domestic resources;
Report 202437 has estimated a very large gap of USD 2.5-
4 trillion per annum in the need and resources available 2. Mobilising additional financial resources through
to deliver the SDGs agenda in the developing countries. It revenue enhancement measures and innovative
also concludes that while climate finance has grown over financing mechanisms; and
time, the commitment of USD 100 billion climate finance 3. Strengthening the capacity to access international
per annum by 2020 could not be met while the climate climate finance and bolster private sector
finance architecture has also become increasingly investments.
complex and fragmented, making coordination and
Applying the 7th National Finance Commission (NFC)
access to finance more difficult for developing countries.
Award40 formula, the provincial annual climate finance
A recent GCA/CPI report concludes that the “developing
38
requirement is estimated at PKR 1.3 trillion (9.09% of the
countries currently need about USD 212 billion per year national requirement, ≈USD 50 billion), which is a tall
in adaptation finance up to 2030… Between now and order for the resource scarce province. Also, given the
2035, developing countries will need USD 3.3 trillion. geographical and demographic context of the province,
However, at current levels of financing, only USD 840 it will need more resources for adaptation actions as
billion will flow.” It also finds that South Asia could get compared to the decarbonisation efforts.
hardly 10 percent of the global flows for adaptation in
According to the Pakistan Climate Public Expenditure
2021-2022 (USD 56 billion).
and Institutional Review (2017), the climate-relevant
The World Bank has estimated that Pakistan needs an
39
spending in Balochistan was PKR 22.6 billion in 2015.
investment of around USD 348 billion between 2023 and This constituted around 11.3 percent of the total provincial
2030 (≈50 billion USD per annum) for a comprehensive budget (PKR 199. 7 billion) and around 37 percent of the
response to its climate and development challenges provincial development budget (PKR 61.2 billion). It also
(USD 152 billion for adaptation and USD 196 billion for concluded that climate-related projects make up 76–82
decarbonisation). It also estimates that the financing percent of development expenditure lines, with over half
available over the next decade will be around USD 39 the projects at several government institutions deemed
billion from public finance (including MDB financing) climate-relevant.41

37. UN. 2024. Financing for Sustainable Development Report 2024: Financing for Development at a Crossroads. New York: UN Inter-
agency Task Force on Financing for Development. Available from: https://developmentfinance.un.org/fsdr2024.
38. GCA. 2024. State and Trends in Climate Adaptation Finance 2024. Rotterdam: Global Center on Adaptation and Climate Policy
Initiative.
39. WB. 2022. Pakistan: Country Climate and Development Report. Washington, DC: The World Bank Group.
40. Government of Pakistan. 2023. Federal Budget 2023-24: Budget in Brief. Islamabad: Finance Division, GoP.
41. Government of Pakistan. 2017. Pakistan – Climate Public Expenditure and Institutional Review: Working towards a more efficient and
effective allocation and use of climate change related finance. Islamabad: GoP and UNDP.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 59

Taking this assessment as a benchmark, a comparison climate-related allocation in 2014-2015 was primarily
can be drawn for the current allocations. Given that the for water resources (35%), transport (15%), awareness
provincial development budget was estimated at PKR raising & education (12%), health and social services (8%),
313.3 billion for the financial year 2023-24, it can be disaster preparedness and town planning (7% each), and
assumed that the current spending for adaptation and energy (6%), while the remaining 10% was deployed for
mitigation actions is approximately PKR 116 billion (37% other sectors. It also concluded that ‘adaptation’ was the
of the development budget). This presents a significantly dominant theme in Balochistan’s CC budget, making-
wide gap of PKR 1,184 billion which cannot be met up 70 percent of the total climate-relevant investment,
through the public resources only. This would require followed by ‘CC supporting activities’ (16%) and then by
due contribution by the private sector as well as bilateral ‘mitigation’ (14%).
and multilateral climate finance windows.
The CPEIR (2017) provides a clear guidance to determine
The CPEIR (2017) also suggested that climate-relevant the financing needs for the BCCP implementation in
projects and investments are common and widely different sectors (Figure 2) which amounts to PKR 1.3
spread across the provincial government’s portfolio. The trillion per annum using the NFC formula.

Figure 2: Sectoral Requirement for BCCP Implementation (PKR in billions)

This estimation flags the need for extraordinary efforts to meet the climate change challenge in Balochistan through
contribution by all relevant sources and adopting innovative approaches.
60 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

10. Climate Finance Opportunities for Balochistan

According to the CPI’s climate finance landscape report,42 received only USD 7 billion. The ten countries most
the global climate financial flow reached almost USD 1.3 affected by climate change between 2000 and 2019,
trillion in 2021-2022, primarily driven by a significant including Pakistan, received just USD 23 billion, less than
acceleration in mitigation finance. However, adaptation 2 percent of total climate finance (Figure 3). This report
finance (USD 63 billion) still falls far short of estimated just underlines the climate finance challenge faced by
needs of USD 212 billion per year by 2030 for developing Pakistan, and Balochistan in particular.
countries alone. AFOLU, a critical sector for Balochistan,

Figure 3: Global Climate Finance Flows 2021-2022

42. Climate Policy Initiative. 2023. Global Landscape of Climate Finance 2023. Available at: https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/wp-
content/uploads/2023/11/Global-Landscape-of-Climate-Finance-2023.pdf.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 61

In 2021, the total capital invested in Pakistan for climate existing debt crisis. With the 78 percent debt to GDP ratio,
change related activities is estimated to be around USD there is little room in the national budget to fund climate
4 billion out of which 86 percent was sourced from action.43 As per ADB44 estimate, Pakistan received USD
international sources (Figure 4). Over the last 10 years, 5.6 billion in two years period (2018–2019); however, it is
Pakistan collectively received USD 1.4-2.0 billion per still far lower than the annual requirement estimated by
annum, primarily in the form of loans, contributing to the the World Bank.

Figure 4: Pakistan’s Climate Finance Sourcing (2021)

3,500
-
3,000
1,048
2,500
USD in millions

2,000

1,500
2,310
1,000

500 450
- 200
-
Interna tio nal Do mestic

Development Partners Private Sector Public Sector

Source: Salman, A., and M. Ayub. 2024. Climate Finance for Pakistan: What and How?

In the backdrop of a wide gap in the requirement and ensure that women and girls are part of the solution.45
availability of climate finance internationally, addressing
In view of the above scenario, following are the possible
the 4th International Conference on Financing for
sources of climate finance for Balochistan:
Development, the IMF Director General stressed upon
the need to have in placed a well-designed carbon pricing 1. International and domestic financing through
in the form of a tax or emissions trading scheme (ETS) bilateral and multilateral climate finance windows.
to share the resulting revenue with poor households. 2. Public sector investments through revenue streams
She also emphasised that the financial sector policies of the Government of Pakistan and Government of
should be refocused towards creating climate impact Balochistan.
while designing climate financing and mitigation and
3. Private sector investments in direct as well as public-
adaptation strategies in a gender-responsive manner, to
private partnership modes.

43. Salman, A., and M. Ayub. 2024. Climate Finance for Pakistan: What and How? Islamabad: Islamabad Policy Research Institute.
44. ADB. 2023. Climate Finance Landscape of Asia and the Pacific. Manila: Asian Development Bank. Available from: https://www.adb.org/
sites/default/files/publication/901611/climate-finance-landscape-asia-pacific.pdf.
45. UN. 2024. Financing for Sustainable Development Report 2024: Financing for Development at a Crossroads. New York: UN Inter-
agency Task Force on Financing for Development. Available from: https://developmentfinance.un.org/fsdr2024.
62 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

10.1. Bilateral and Multilateral Climate Finance • Recharge Pakistan

Windows
• Pakistan Distributed Solar Project
Balochistan has always been benefitting from the bilateral
• Transforming the Indus Basin with Climate Resilient
and multilateral development assistance in irrigation,
Agriculture and Water Management
agriculture, livestock, forest, watershed management,
education, health, and rural development from a range of The GoB will approach the MoCC&EC and other relevant
international development partners. However, there have organisations for support in getting accredited for GCF
been very few projects directly aimed at climate change funding.
adaptation or mitigation. In 2023-2024, the Foreign 10.1.2 Adaptation Fund47
Project Assistance (FPA) is estimated at PKR 55.894
The Adaptation Fund is a financial mechanism established
billion, of which PKR. 39.343 billion will be provided to
under UNFCCC to help vulnerable communities and
the GoB (Figure 6) while the remaining will be disbursed
countries adapt to the impacts of climate change. The
to various projects directly through the donor agencies.
Adaptation Fund supports activities such as building
The key multilateral climate financing windows are briefly climate resilience, implementing climate adaptation
mentioned in the following sections; however, the GoB measures, and enhancing the capacity of communities
will develop the requisite capacity to tap these resources to cope with climate-related challenges. So far, it has
meaningfully. committed USD one billion for 175 projects across the
10.1.1 Green Climate Fund46 globe but Pakistan could get only one project, that too
for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
GCF is a global financial mechanism established under
UNFCCC to support developing countries in their 10.1.3 Global Environment Facility (GEF)48
efforts to address climate change by paradigm shift The GEF is a group of funds that focuses on tackling
towards low-emission and climate-resilient development issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution,
pathways. So far, Pakistan’s GCF portfolio is limited to and the degradation of land and oceans. It provides
four adaptation and two mitigation projects (with a total grants, blended financing, and policy assistance to help
outlay of ≈USD 221 m), and seven readiness activities developing countries address their most significant
(≈US$4.6 m). This constitutes hardly 1.6 percent of the environmental challenges and comply with international
total GCF disbursement of USD 13.9 billion so far for 253 environmental agreements. So far, Pakistan has obtained
projects across the globe. funds for 19 projects from GEF; however, Balochistan has
To date, Balochistan has not been able to tap this been included in only some of these projects.
resource meaningfully, owing primarily to lack of capacity 10.1.4 Climate Investment Funds (CIFs)49
and active perusal with the federal government for its
The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) are a set of funding
inclusion in the national projects. The following GCF
mechanisms established by the World Bank Group to
approved projects include activities to be implemented
support developing countries in their efforts to mitigate
in Balochistan:
and adapt to climate change. The CIF consist of four
• Community Resilience Partnership Program (multi- distinct funding programmes: the Clean Technology
country, including Pakistan) Fund (CTF), the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF), the Forest

46. Green Climate Fund (https://www.greenclimate.fund/). Accessed: 6 May 2024.

47. Adaptation Fund (https://www.adaptation-fund.org). Accessed: 6 May 2024.
48. Global Environment Facility. (https://www.thegef.org/). Accessed: 3 May 2024.
49. Climate Investment Funds (https://www.cif.org/). Accessed: 3 May 2024.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 63

Investment Programme (FIP), and the Pilot Programme European Union (EU) during the Leaders’ Summit on
for Climate Resilience (PPCR). The CIF provide financial Climate. However, the facility is still to discern how to
resources and technical assistance to support developing help the developing countries like Pakistan.
countries in implementing climate change mitigation
• In January 2023, the Islamic Development Bank
and adaptation projects. However, Pakistan has not
(IsDB) committed a USD 4.2 billion support for
benefitted from this facility so far.
Pakistan’s climate resilience efforts and development
10.1.5 Bilateral and Other Sources of Climate agenda and the country vision 2025 over the next
Financing three years including USD 600 ordinary capital
resources from IsDB Group.
Pakistan has signed several memorandums of
understanding (MOUs) with both national governments • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Pakistan have
and international financing institutions (IFIs) to support signed a wide-ranging MoU to cooperate in nine
climate action. It is important that Balochistan is included important environmental areas to control pollution
in these initiatives and takes full advantage of these and protect nature.
opportunities. Some of the recent MOUs/institutions
• In 2021, United Kingdom (UK) had UK pledged
include:
over GBP 55 million for Pakistan to fight climate
• ADB is working with the GoP to develop an Energy change, manage water more sustainably and unlock
Transition Mechanism in line with its plans to climate investment. It has now decided to double
increase its climate portfolio in Pakistan. its investment in Pakistan to mitigate the impact of
climate change.
• ADB’s Innovative Finance Facility for Climate in
Asia and the Pacific (IF-CAP) will also be available • Under WB’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility,
to Pakistan being uniquely vulnerable to the Pakistan has accessed USD 7.8 million in support of
impacts of climate change, such as droughts, heat its country-led readiness work.
waves, floods, and sea-level rises. IF-CAP will use
The GoB will work closely with the federal government
guarantees from partners for leverage to accelerate
to benefit from these opportunities. There are numerous
much-needed climate change investment.
other bilateral and multilateral windows with diverse
• In May 2023, Germany’s Federal Ministry for range of thematic interest in Balochistan. While the actual
Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) quantum of financing depends upon projectisation of
committed Euro 163.3 million to Pakistan under ideas and financial space within the country programmes
the Climate and Energy Partnership. Of this sum, of these partners, Table 1 provides a snapshot of thematic
Euro 108.5 million has been earmarked for Financial focus of such opportunities for Balochistan. The climate
Cooperation and Euro 54.8 million for Technical change related themes have been highlighted in Table 1.
Cooperation.

• Pakistan is signatory to the Global Methane Pledge—

launched in 2021 by the United States (US) and the
64 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Table 1: Thematic Focus of Bilateral and Multilateral Development Partners in Balochistan

Save the Children

Qatar Charity
Canadian HC

Islamic Relief

Nutrition Intl.

UN Women

UNOCHA
Care Intl.

Concern

UNICEF
UNHCR
OXFAM
PATRIP

UNFPA
AusAid

USAID
UNDC
BMGF

UNDP
Acted

IHHN

PPAF

WHO
CIDA

IFAD
ECW

JICA

WFP
BMZ
ADB
AKU

VSO
ARC

FAO

IOM

IRC
GIZ

WB
ILO
EU
Advocacy & Gender
●
Sensitisation

Agriculture ● ● ●

Bordering Districts
●
Development

Community
●
Engagement

Conflict Prevention ●

Disaster Risk
●
Reduction

Economic
●
Development

Economic Growth ●

Education ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Emergency Relief ● ● ● ●

Energy ●

Gender Based
● ● ●
Violence

Governance ● ● ●

Health ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Human Rights ●

Humanitarian Aid &

●
Disaster Response

Immunisation ●

Infrastructure ● ●
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 65

Save the Children

Qatar Charity
Canadian HC

Islamic Relief

Nutrition Intl.

UN Women

UNOCHA
Care Intl.

Concern

UNICEF
UNHCR
OXFAM
PATRIP

UNFPA
AusAid

USAID
UNDC
BMGF

UNDP
Acted

IHHN

PPAF

WHO
CIDA

IFAD
ECW

JICA

WFP
BMZ
ADB
AKU

VSO
ARC

FAO

IOM

IRC
GIZ

WB
ILO
EU
Livelihood
& Enterprise ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Development

Malaria Control ●

Nutrition ●

Poverty Reduction ● ● ●

Refugees ●

Renewable Energy ●

Rural Development ● ● ●

Sustainable
●
Development

WASH ● ● ● ● ● ●

Water Resource
● ● ● ●
Management

Notes: Acted = Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development; ADB = Asia Development Bank; AKU = Aga Khan University;
ARC = American Refugee Committee; AusAid = Australian Aid; BMGF = Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; BMZ = [German] Federal
Ministry of Economic Cooperation & Development; Canadian HC = Canadian High Commission; CIDA = Canadian International
Development Agency; ECW = Education Cannot Wait; EU = European Union; FAO = Food & Agriculture Organisation; GIZ = Deutsche
Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit [German Society for International Cooperation]; IHHN = Indus Hospital & Health
Network; ILO = International Labour Organisation; IOM = [UN] International Organisation for Migration; IFAD = [UN} International
Fund for Agriculture & Development; IRC = International Rescue Committee; JICA = Japan International Cooperation Agency;
PATRIP = PATRIP Foundation; PPAF = Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund; UNOCHA = United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs; UNDC = United Nations Development Corporation; UNDP = United Nations Development Programme; UNFPA
= United Nations Population Fund; UNHCR = United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; UNICEF = United Nations Children’s
Fund; USAID = United States Agency for International Development; VSO = Voluntary Service Overseas; WFP = [UN] World Food
Programme; WHO = [UN] World Health Organisation; WB = The World Bank.
66 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

10.2. Public Sector Investments provincial public sector resources by substantially raising
Balochistan’s share in divisible pool—from 5.11 to 9.09
Balochistan, in general, is a resource scarce province of
percent. As a result, Balochistan’s share in the federal
Pakistan. Its receipts envelop is comprised of the federal
Divisible Pool has reached to PKR billion in 2023-24 from
transfers, own resources revenue and the FPA. The 18th
PKR 83.12 billion in 2010-11. Additionally, the province gets
Constitutional Amendment and the 7th NFC Award have
Straight Transfers in terms of royalty on natural gas and
played a pivotal role in improving the province’s fiscal
crude oil, gas development surcharge and federal excise
balance sheet. Whereas the 18th Amendment enabled
duty on natural gas. Balochistan’s own source revenue
the provincial government to have direct access to the
collection has not been significant part of the provincial
bilateral and multilateral donor agencies, the 7th NFC
portfolio. Nevertheless, it has improved significantly over
Award widened the much needed fiscal space for the
the last decade (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Balochistan’s Share in Federal Divisible Pool and Straight Transfers

700
Divisible Pool Transfer Straight Transfers Own Source Revenue
Transfer (in billion PKR)

600

500

400

300

200

100

-
2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24
(BE)
Source: Government of Balochistan. 2023. White Paper on Budget 2023-24.
Notes: BE = Budget Estimate.

Figure 6: Public Sector Development Programme

350
GoB Allocation GoP Allocation Foreign Project Assistance
Allocation (in billion PKR)

300

250

200

150

100

50

-
2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24
(BE)
Source: Government of Balochistan. Annual Budget Statements from 2013-14 to 2023-24.
Notes: BE = Budget Estimate.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 67

There has also been a consistent increase in public address climate change adaptation and mitigation needs
sector development programme (PSDP) in terms of of the province.
allocations by the GoB and the FPA (Figure 6). The PSDP
for 2023-24 (PKR 313.4 billion) is highest in the history 10.4. Private Sector Investments
of Balochistan and constitutes 41.8 percent of the total With limited public sector resources, it is important to
budget outlay (PKR 750.6 billion). The foreign project develop and support privates sector based instruments
assistance is ≈7 percent of the PSDP with a total outlay of of green and climate financing, such as green and blue
PKR 108.133 billion. In the absence of appropriate budget bonds, sustainability bonds and green loans. Over the last
coding for climate change related spending, it is difficult decade, several financial instruments focused on private
to report exact spending on climate change adaptation sector involvement have emerged to spur financing for
and mitigation. However, it can be assumed that the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation.
climate change related expenditure (37% of PSDP based Some possible avenues are mentioned in the following
on CPEIR) has also increased proportionately through sections.
short of the required allocation (PKR 1,300 billion).
10.4.1 Green Bonds
10.3. Balochistan Climate Change Fund Green bonds have become a significant financial
Encouraged by the Pakistan Climate Change Fund,50 instrument for funding climate and environment-friendly
the GoB will set up a ringfenced endowment fund as projects. Green bond issuance has grown rapidly in the
a special purpose vehicle under the Companies Act, past decade from USD 807 million in 2007 to more than
2017 through allocating seed funds from the provincial USD one trillion in 2020. Energy sector, followed by
sources. The federal government and the international buildings are the biggest users of these bonds (Figure
development partners will also be requested to beef it 7). Pakistan’s WAPDA has successfully launched 10-year
up with additional funds. The BCCF will be governed Indus Eurobond raising USD 500 million for a hydro-
an independent Board of Directors (BoD) and will be energy project, receiving a positive response from the
guided by the B4C during its inception phase. The Fund market as the bonds were oversubscribed by six times
will receive revenues from carbon credits and voluntary and the offering process was supported by Goldman
market mechanisms, taxes, cess, fines and penalties, Sachs, Blackrock, BlueBay, Fidelity, Ashmore, Amundi
and any other sources identified by the GoB, B4C or the and USB. GoP has also completed its initial assessment
BoD. The Fund will make allocations for priority actions to of blue bonds to support ocean ecology, fisheries, and
tourism projects.51

50. Pakistan Climate Change Act, 2017. Government of Pakistan. Enacted 31 Mar 2017.
51. Karandaaz. 2022. Green Financing, Renewable Energy, and Energy Efficiency in Pakistan: Opportunities and Challenges. Islamabad:
Karandaaz Pakistan.
68 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Figure 7: Green Bonds Usage and Composition

Source: Karandaaz. 2022. Green Financing, Renewable Energy, and Energy Efficiency in Pakistan:
Opportunities and Challenges.

10.4.2 Blue Bonds 10.4.3 Sustainability Bonds

Presently, Pakistan possesses mangrove coverage Sustainability Bonds are financial instruments whose
spanning around 157,000 ha. These existing mangrove proceeds are solely used to finance or re-finance a mix of
forests and tidal marshes have the capacity to store green and social projects, with environmental and socio-
roughly 21.8 million tonnes of organic carbon (76.4 economic benefits. The first Sustainability Bond (GBP
MtCO2e). According to a report from the World Bank, 250 million) was issued by Unilever in 2014. Since then,
utilising a terrestrial forest carbon credit price of USD 3 many governments and private sector companies have
and aiming for higher blue carbon prices of USD 12-15, issued Sustainability Bonds to finance environmental
there is a potential to generate revenues ranging from projects with social benefits.
USD 300-500 million. The Sindh province has already
10.4.4 Nature Performance Bonds
secured USD 14.77 million from carbon trading in the
voluntary carbon market. Although further research is Nature Performance Bonds (NBP) aims to include
required to validate this initial assessment, a combination biodiversity in financial decision-making through debt-for-
of market-based and non-market-based approaches such nature swaps and accelerate finance for development.
as Blue Bonds could assist in achieving Balochistan’s Pakistan is working with various development partners
mitigation and adaptation objectives for mangrove to utilise outstanding payments for conservation and
forests as it harbours the longest coast line of Pakistan. climate-related investments through NPBs. If successful
Additionally, these approaches have the potential to in implementing the first pilot project, Balochistan can
yield co-benefits in terms of livelihood enhancement and also benefit from its performance in recent years through
biodiversity protection. flagship projects. and nature performance bonds to be
arranged through bilateral creditors.52

52. Karandaaz. 2022. Green Financing, Renewable Energy, and Energy Efficiency in Pakistan: Opportunities and Challenges. Islamabad:
Karandaaz Pakistan.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 69

10.4.5 Green Banking Instruments one percent. Hence, this mechanism may need to be
introduced after due diligence.
Green banking involves banks encouraging environment-
friendly investments and prioritising lending to industries • Climate Venture Capital: Climate venture capital
that are green or trying to go green to restore the involves investments in innovative technologies
natural environment. Green banking is a new concept and start-ups that have the potential to address
in Pakistan, with some commercial banks incorporating climate challenges. This form of financing supports
green financing into their operations, and microfinance the development and commercialisation of climate-
banks playing a significant role in widening the scope friendly solutions, such as clean energy technologies
of green financing. To align with international standards, and sustainable agriculture practices.
the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued Green Banking
• Risk Insurance Mechanisms: Risk insurance
Guidelines53 in October 2017, emphasising the role
mechanisms, such as weather-based insurance
of financial institutions in financing the transition to a
and catastrophe bonds, provide financial protection
climate-resilient and resource-efficient economy through
against climate-related risks. These mechanisms
environmental risk management, green business
help vulnerable communities and sectors recover
facilitation and own impact reduction. The SBP and IFC
from climate-related disasters and build resilience.
have signed an advisory agreement in August 2018 to
promote and support green banking practices in Pakistan. • Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding platforms enable
The SBP has also introduced concessional financing (at individuals and organisations to contribute small
6% markup) for renewable energy projects up to 50 MW. amounts of money to finance specific climate projects
or initiatives. This approach allows for broad public
10.5. Innovative Climate Financing participation in climate financing and can support
grassroots initiatives and community-led projects.
In addition to the above climate financing mechanisms,
some new and alternative approaches for mobilising and • Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private
channelling financial resources to support climate change partnerships bring together government entities,
mitigation and adaptation efforts are being developed. private companies, and other stakeholders to jointly
These mechanisms aim to overcome traditional funding finance and implement climate projects. These
limitations and provide additional sources of financing partnerships leverage the expertise and resources
for climate action. Though to be explored and developed of both sectors to accelerate the deployment of
further in the coming years, some examples of innovative climate solutions.
climate financing mechanisms include:
These innovative climate financing mechanisms play a
• Carbon Pricing: Carbon pricing mechanisms, such as crucial role in bridging the financial gap for climate action
carbon taxes and emissions trading systems, create and unlocking new sources of funding. They promote the
a financial incentive for reducing greenhouse gas mobilisation of private capital, encourage investment in
emissions. By putting a price on carbon emissions, sustainable technologies, and support the transition to a
these mechanisms generate revenue that can be low-carbon and climate-resilient future.
used to finance climate mitigation and adaptation
projects. However, in Balochistan, it may discourage 10.6. Windfall Opportunities
industrial growth given the fact that so far Pakistan’s In the backdrop of financial scarcity, Balochistan has some
contribution to the global GHG emission is less than windfall opportunities which can be tapped to finance

53. Government of Pakistan. 2017. Green Banking Guidelines. Islamabad: State Bank of Pakistan, GoP.
70 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

climate change adaptation and mitigation actions. Some East Bay Expressway and the Gwadar International
of these are mentioned in the following sections. Airport), foreign direct investment, trading opportunities
and improved livelihood. The province will also see
10.6.1 China Pakistan Economic Corridor
improved contribution to the GDP, which currently stands
CPEC is a growth axis and a development belt featuring at around 3 percent.
complementary advantages, collaboration, mutual
Within Balochistan, Gwadar being strategically located
benefits, and common prosperity. With the comprehensive
port, is considered the ‘lynchpin for the overall success
transportation corridor and industrial cooperation
of the CPEC’.54 As Gwadar is the originating point of the
between China and Pakistan as the main axis, and with
CPEC in Balochistan, the opportunities here will stem
concrete economic and trade cooperation, and people-
off to the rest of the province, thus creating a domino
to-people exchange and cultural communications as the
effect in favour of the province. The economic zones that
engine, CPEC is based on major collaborative projects for
have also been planned such as, the ‘Gwadar Free Zone’,
transport and communication, infrastructure construction,
will create an environment exceptionally conducive to
energy and industrial development, sustainable
economic activity. For a province with the worst poverty
agriculture and water resource management, health and
figures in the country, this can indeed be a game changer
livelihood improvement, and tourism development aimed
for the economy,55 and resultant private sector investment
at socioeconomic development, prosperity, and security
in climate change adaptation and mitigation actions.
in regions along it.
10.6.2 TAPI Gas Pipeline
Balochistan lies in the southern coastal logistics business
zone of CPEC and links the Gwadar Port to the Chinese The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI)
province of Xinjiang. Within Balochistan, the areas pipeline is an 1,814 km trans-country natural gas pipeline
influenced by CPEC are varied and diverse. Initiating running between the four countries; 826 km of this will
from Pishukan in southmost Gwadar, moving across run through Pakistan. The pipeline will enter into Pakistan
Khuzdar and Kalat further north, and finally extending at Chaman border and pass through Killa Abdullah,
towards Zhob and Musakhel in the northmost of the Pishin, Ziarat, Loralai and Musakhel in Balochistan. It
province, the road network under CPEC is going to was committed that the project will plant at least 100
significantly enhance the province’s connectivity. This million trees on the route of gas pipeline as a gift for the
will be further augmented by the extension of the current people of Balochistan. The project is expected to bring
railways network. Due to its wide geographic span, the numerous employment opportunities for the local people
consequences and implications of the corridor will be in terms of skilled and unskilled labour. However, it is
for the entre province. CPEC can accrue its real benefits important that the employable population is equipped
to the people of Balochistan through access to income with necessary skill sets and the project helps the GoB in
generating and climate resilience opportunities, if a developing climate resilience in the province.
portion of funds is directed towards connecting people
10.6.3 Extractive Industry
and enhancing their capabilities, skills, and education.
Balochistan alone has an estimated USD 3 trillion in
Balochistan has strong potential for economic
mineral resources.56 Apart from the Saindak and Reko Diq
development, and resultant climate resilience, through
copper and gold mines in the Chagai district, most of the
improved infrastructure under CPEC (e.g., the Gwadar

54. “CPEC success hinges on Gwadar port: navy chief.” The Express Tribune, 2 Jul 2016.
55. Deloitte. n.d. “How will CPEC boost Pakistan economy?” Accessible at https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/pk/
Documents/risk/pak-china-eco-corridor-deloittepk-noexp.pdf.
56. World Bank. 2014. Country Partnership Strategy for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the Period FY2015–19. Islamabad: The World
Bank Group.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 71

minerals potential of the province remains unexplored. will be tagged for an automated accounting process.
While there is huge potential for development of the The Climate Finance Unit (CFU) will be responsible
extractive industry, there is also risk of environmental for tagging of budget lines and rolling out of the
degradation which can further exacerbate the climate process of climate accounting.
change risks. The GoB will create an enabling
• The Finance Department, through CFU, will establish
environment to attract and retain private investments
a database and data warehouse for this purpose
through investor-friendly regulations, good governance,
connecting the planning data with the financial data
and transparency but will also ensure that poor people
to keep account of climate related allocations and
benefit from extractive industry, the environmental and
expenditure.
social risks are mitigated, and the extractive industry
follows global best practices to mitigate climate change • The private investments into climate change
risks. adaptation, mitigation or supporting actions will be
added to the climate financing database to prepare
10.7. Way Forward on BCCP Financing a wholistic climate accounts.

To ensure that the BCCP implementation is adequately • Following the global portfolio management practices,
resourced and the public as well as private sector the GoB will adopt ‘systems approach’57 to harness
investments towards climate change adaptation and the synergetic effectiveness and efficiency of climate
mitigation are correctly accounted for, the following finance.
measures will be taken:
The GoB will actively seek opportunities and partnerships
• Public sector budget lines with a climate change for accessing bilateral and multilateral climate finance
adaptation, mitigation or supporting components windows, especially GCF, Adaptation Fund, GEF and
CIFs.

57. OECD. 2017. Systems Approaches to Public Sector Challenges: Working with Change. Paris: OECD Publishing. Available at https://doi.
org/10.1787/9789264279865-en.
72 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

Annex 1. Pakistan Long-Term Vision58

By 2050/2060/2070, Pakistan will be a low-carbon, resource-base, promote food security and sustain eco-
green, resilient, and prosperous society, with a thriving system services to support livelihoods.”
economy, a healthy, empowered and climate resilient
• At least 50% irrigation through renewables sources
population, living in a safe and secure environment
like solar tube wells compared to today.
through a combination of innovative technologies,
responsible policies, and strong partnerships between • At least 20% to be forest cover/green land.
government, business, and civil society in an inclusive • Rainwater harvesting from at least 30% of the
and gender-responsive manner. households.
Aligned with Pakistan’s updated NDCs (2021), the vision • Ban the burning of rice residue Increase drip
and aspirations for Pakistan’s GHG emitting sectors are irrigation and reduce flood irrigation.
as following:
• Use increase in drip irrigation and increase in forest
Energy cover as a key metric for measurement.

Pakistan envisions “to be energy secure by prioritising • Become a food secure country using efficient
the development and integration of renewable energy technologies.
sources into its energy mix while also improving energy • At least 30% increase in energy efficient agriculture
efficiency, applying people centric approach, adopting technologies (CSA) across Pakistan
integrated energy planning, improving coordination
among actors and eradicating energy poverty.” Transport

• By mid-century, 50% decarbonisation based on Pakistan envisions “shifting towards clean, efficient, and
2018/22 baselines. accessible modes of transportation that reduce carbon
emissions and improve mobility for all citizens.”
• Create green jobs for women and youth through a
just energy transition mechanism. • Proper public transport established across the
country.
• Improve energy efficiency as a cost saving measure.
• At least 50% are electric vehicles by mid-century.
• Incentivisation and penalties to achieve
decarbonisation targets. • Traffic congestions reduced in the urban centres.

• Ensure affordability and energy access for masses. • Public transport shift to EVs (15-20% annually)

• Adopt energy security through RE Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU)

Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) Pakistan envisions “accelerating action on achieving
circular economy by piloting carbon neutral value
Pakistan envisions “working to conserve its rich
chains in industries and scaling up solutions through
biodiversity, improve forest cover, and promote
collaborations, particularly those that are energy-
sustainable land use practices that enhance natural
intensive and emit high levels of pollutants.”

58. Government of Pakistan. 2023. The Long-Term Vision 2050: Towards developing Pakistan’s long term low emissions development
strategy (LT-LEDS). Islamabad: Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, GoP.
 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024 73

• All industries to be operated on renewable sources. Air Pollution

• Industries properly regulated, and emission Pakistan envisions “to achieve both air quality standards
reduction is monitored. and climate goals that protects and enhances public
health, welfare, and the environment through planned
• N2O abatement from Nitric and fertiliser productions
and coordinated efforts towards technology and fuel
plants
advances, enhanced technical, human, and monitoring
• Enabling environment for businesses to become capacity and behaviour change.”
ESG compliant.
• Every province has its own established priorities and
• Green product standards and labels targets in every sector contributing to air pollution.
• R&D and finance for demonstration/pilots • To reduce the sources of emissions our pollution
from every sector after thorough capacity building
Waste
and introduction of innovative technologies
Pakistan envisions “implementing integrated waste
• Covert old brick kilns into zigzag technology
management strategies that prioritise waste reduction,
reuse, and recycling, and minimise the environmental • No indoor pollution through burning of biofuels so
and health impacts of waste disposal, on its journey that women and children are protected.
towards a circular economy.” • Achieving the goals requires consistently working
• Integrated waste management plans are needed. towards the established goal within the next
seven years, procurement, and diversion of funds,
• The country should be clean with no landfills or
developing baselines, and monitoring progress.
garbage in the streets.
• Major goals are to procure resources/funding and
• By mid-century there should be a robust process for
the introduction of innovative technologies.
waste management and waste recycling in urban
and rural areas • Inclusion of women and youth, implementing indoor
air quality monitoring, and promotion of clean energy
Urban Development options

Pakistan envisions “promoting compact, green, and Just Transition and Human Capital
liveable cities that ensures prosperity and quality.
Pakistan will “prioritise cross-cutting areas such as
of life for all citizens and reduce the environmental education, gender, youth and community equality,
footprint of urbanisation.” empowerment and engagement, and ensure that

• Designated policies and strategies on urban achieving national vision is a fair process and enables

development just transition.”

• Short- or medium-term targets for urban development • Women and youth are empowered and have access

to achieve long-term goals. to equal economic opportunities.

• Consistent urban planning across the country by • Every Pakistani has access to education.

mid-century • Women participation in labour force

• Creating green spaces and pathways for walking • Increase quality green jobs increased by 50%
and cycling across the cities
• Key measurement metrics can include youth
employment rate, women labour force participation
rate, literacy rate.
74 Balochistan Climate Change Policy | 2024

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UNDP in Pakistan
UNDP works with the Government and people of Pakistan to develop local solutions to
development challenges. In an evolving development context, we support Pakistan’s efforts to
build a more equitable, prosperous, peaceful and resilient society, and to achieve its SDGs and
COP26 targets. UNDP promotes transformational change by fostering strategic partnerships
with national counterparts in the federal, provincial and regional governments, civil society, the
private sector and the local and international community. UNDP supports transformational
change by providing technical assistance focusing on developing capacity within national and
local authorities, providing solutions with strong monitoring and evaluation tools, and delivering
programmes with maximum efficiency, transparency and accountability.

UNDP’s ultimate goal is to improve the lives of the people of Pakistan through keeping people
out of poverty; governance for peaceful, just and inclusive societies; crisis prevention and
increased resilience; nature-based solutions for development; clean affordable energy; and
women's empowerment and gender equality.

United Nations Development Programme Pakistan

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Khayaban-e-Suharwardy, Sector G-5/1, P. O. Box 1051,
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