Experts laud Rs 2.478bn allocation for climate change, environment

LAHORE, Jun 12 (APP): Experts on Friday lauded the allocation for environment in Federal Budget for 2026-27, terming it a fresh air for climate policies, particularly to boost up renewable energy sector, which they believe will highlight government preferences for the climate-smart policy and directions supported by IMF and World Bank programs.

Environmental experts expressed hope over the climate budget arguing that despite limited resources, the government displayed its resolve to fight the natural calamities.

The federal government allocated Rs 2.478 billion for the Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Division for FY 2026-27. The funding covers four ongoing projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), with the largest portion (Rs 2.336 billion) earmarked for the revised Green Pakistan Programme.

Noted environmentalist Dr Mahmood Khalid Qamar appreciated allocations for climate change or environmental projects. The current budget, according to officials from the climate change ministry, features at least eight proposed projects focused on climate resilience, afforestation, green growth, biodiversity conservation, and environmental monitoring under the Public Sector Development Programme — with a total allocation of Rs 2.78 billion.

Environmental expert Dr Amir Alamgir said that it is good omen that federal government announced plantation of 11.3 million trees during the next fiscal year 2026-27. He lauded the allocation Rs 2.336 billion that has been allocated for new initiatives in Green Pakistan Programme.