KARACHI: Sindh has emerged as Pakistan’s leading province in climate action by pioneering government-led carbon market reforms, expanding mangrove restoration, and modernising environmental governance, Sindh Minister for Local Government, Housing and Town Planning Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said on Thursday.
Addressing the 23rd Annual Environment Conference and Awards 2026, organised by the National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH) under the theme “Reclaiming Pakistan’s Liveable Future: From Collateral Damage to Collective Ownership”, the minister highlighted the province’s initiatives in climate resilience, carbon finance, and environmental sustainability.
Sindh launches Pakistan’s first government-led carbon credit project
Nasir Hussain Shah said Sindh has become the first province in Pakistan to implement a government-led carbon credit project, allowing the country to generate foreign exchange through its internationally recognised Indus Delta mangrove restoration programme.
He said the Pakistan Peoples Party-led provincial government had transformed environmental conservation into an economic opportunity by linking mangrove restoration with global carbon markets.
The minister added that revenue generated from carbon credits would contribute significantly to Sindh’s climate and environmental initiatives.
Carbon market and environmental reforms expanded
The minister announced that the Sindh government has established a Directorate of Carbon Credits under the Environment Department to promote climate finance and accelerate carbon market development.
He said 13 carbon credit projects have already been approved in sectors including:
- Mangrove restoration
- Riverine forests
- Biogas generation
- Agroforestry
- Landfill methane emission control
Nasir Hussain Shah also announced amendments to the Sindh Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) to improve transparency, strengthen environmental governance, and align provincial regulations with international climate standards.
Urban forestry and air quality monitoring strengthened
The minister said Sindh has launched extensive urban forestry projects in Karachi and other cities while continuing plantation campaigns along irrigation canals and rural areas.
He added that two fully automated air quality monitoring stations are already operational in Karachi, providing real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data. Plans are underway to install 17 additional automated air quality analysers across the province.
The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has also fully automated its environmental monitoring and No Objection Certificate (NOC) system to improve transparency and regulatory oversight.
Climate resilience projects underway
Nasir Hussain Shah said the provincial government, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is implementing the Jam Sakro Outfall Drain Project to strengthen flood protection for coastal communities in Thatta district.
He also noted that work has begun on promoting energy-efficient designs in new high-rise buildings to reduce electricity consumption and lower carbon emissions.
To support the NFEH Monsoon Plantation Campaign, the minister announced that the Sindh government would contribute 10,000 tree saplings, matching the number already mobilised through private-sector support, while also providing suitable public spaces for plantation activities.
Experts call for stronger climate preparedness
Speaking at the conference, NFEH President Naeem Qureshi said the organisation’s monsoon plantation campaign would be funded entirely through private-sector philanthropy and would contribute to restoring Karachi’s public parks.
Policy Research & Advisory Council Chairman Younus Dagha recalled that the 2022 floods caused an estimated US$9 billion in losses, with Sindh suffering the greatest damage. He stressed the need to complete the Right Bank Outfall Drain (RBOD) project and improve Karachi’s drainage infrastructure to reduce future flood risks.
Other speakers highlighted the importance of expanding urban tree cover, improving wastewater management, conserving water through modern irrigation systems, reducing energy consumption, and strengthening Pakistan’s climate adaptation efforts.
Environmental awards presented
During the conference, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah presented the Annual Environment Excellence Awards 2026 to 68 organisations and recognition awards to 14 companies for their contributions to tree plantation and environmental sustainability.
He said the achievements of the award recipients would encourage greater participation from businesses and industries in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable development across Pakistan.
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