Pakistan's climate ministry has announced the allocation of Rs2.4 billion ($8.6 million) under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for fiscal year 2026-27 to bolster the country's resilience against floods, droughts, and other climate-induced disasters. The funding, effective from July 1, will support four key projects focusing on ecological restoration, youth-oriented green skills, urban resilience, and institutional capacity strengthening.
Funding Allocation Details
The largest share, Rs2.3 billion ($8.2 million), is designated for the Up-scaling of Green Pakistan Program, aimed at expanding forest cover, conserving biodiversity, enhancing carbon sequestration, and restoring degraded ecosystems. Additionally, Rs51.6 million ($185,500) will fund the Green Skills for Sustainable Development initiative, equipping young people with skills for a low-carbon economy and promoting green entrepreneurship. Rs50 million ($179,500) is earmarked for developing a national urban strategy to mitigate urban flooding, droughts, and other climate-related disasters. Another Rs40.6 million ($146,000) will strengthen the ministry's technical capacity in climate finance, marine biodiversity, water and sanitation, and hazardous waste management.
Climate Vulnerability Context
Pakistan, among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, has experienced frequent extreme weather events, including rains, floods, heatwaves, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Recent temperatures have exceeded 35°C in parts of the country, accelerating snowmelt and increasing GLOF risks. The PSDP package aims to strengthen preparedness against glacial melt, water scarcity, deforestation, heatwaves, forest fires, and land degradation.
Saleem Sheikh, a ministry spokesperson, stated: “These investments are aimed at protecting people, restoring ecosystems and ensuring that the country is better prepared to confront emerging threats posed by glacial retreat, GLOFs, water stress, heat extremes, forest fires and environmental degradation.”
International Call for Support
Pakistan has repeatedly urged developed nations to support climate-vulnerable countries through stronger international climate finance and loss and damage mechanisms. Despite contributing only about one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, the country faces recurring floods and disasters. Last year, at least 1,000 people died when intense monsoon rains and excess water from Indian dams triggered flash floods across Pakistan.
