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ISLAMABAD, Dec 08 (APP):Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has warned that climate change is the biggest challenge facing the province.
Speaking at a symposium on “Sustainable Development and Environmental Resilience in Balochistan” he said the province is battling severe climate impacts while continuing its journey toward sustainable development.
Bugti shared stark figures. He said that 51 percent of households in Balochistan live on low income and 71 percent of the population suffers from multidimensional poverty. He said drought, unpredictable rains, floods, intense heat and unstable weather patterns are hitting the poorest communities the hardest.
He said the global climate push after COP30 brings both a challenge and an opportunity for Balochistan. “The world wants faster climate action. For us, it is a responsibility and a chance to move ahead,” he said.
The chief minister said the provincial government has prepared a comprehensive Climate Change Policy. It focuses on adaptation and mitigation in energy, transport, agriculture and water. Solar and wind energy projects are progressing to reduce reliance on traditional fuels. The transport sector is also moving toward electric vehicles and greener infrastructure.
On agriculture, CM Balochistan said climate smart methods such as conservation agriculture and agroforestry are being promoted to strengthen food security and reduce emissions. Better water management and forest restoration are also part of the provincial plan.
CM Bugti said carbon trading is an important opportunity for Balochistan. The province is developing a strong framework for carbon markets and identifying possible carbon projects, including blue carbon initiatives inspired by the Delta Blue Carbon Project in Sindh.
He added that the Balochistan Climate Change Fund is supporting projects that improve adaptation, mitigation and capacity development.
Bugti called on all institutions, international partners, the private sector and civil society to work together. “If we want real progress, we must walk together,” he said. “A safe, sustainable and climate resilient Balochistan depends on collective effort.”
He congratulated the organisers for holding the symposium and expressed hope that continued cooperation will turn climate challenges into long term solutions for the people of Balochistan.