Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Monday revealed that 71% of Balochistan’s population is suffering from multidimensional poverty, while 51% of households face income poverty. These alarming figures were presented during a symposium on “Sustainable Development and Environmental Resilience in Balochistan,” highlighting the severe socio-economic challenges that exacerbate the province’s climate change vulnerabilities.
Addressing the event, organized by the provincial Planning and Development Department, the Chief Minister described climate change as the world’s greatest challenge. He acknowledged that while Balochistan is directly and severely affected by environmental hardships, the region is committed to achieving sustainable development.
Bugti said the global community is calling for accelerated climate action post-COP30, which presents both an opportunity and a significant responsibility for a vulnerable region like Balochistan. He detailed that the province has recently faced droughts, erratic rainfall, floods, and severe heatwaves, with the poorest and most vulnerable segments of the population bearing the brunt of the impacts.
In response, the provincial government has formulated a comprehensive climate change policy. This framework provides clear strategies for adaptation and mitigation in key sectors, including energy, transport, agriculture, and water management.
The Chief Minister confirmed that initiatives for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind projects, are advancing to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In the transport sector, measures are being taken to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and green infrastructure.
To strengthen food security and reduce emissions, the administration is promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices such as conservation agriculture and agroforestry. A robust strategy has also been adopted for the efficient management of water resources and the protection and restoration of forests.
Bugti identified carbon trading as a key opportunity for Balochistan to access climate finance. He reported that the province is developing a robust framework for the carbon market, including the identification of potential projects, such as blue carbon initiatives like Sindh’s successful Delta Blue Carbon project.
A dedicated Balochistan Climate Change Fund is already supporting provincial projects focused on adaptation, mitigation, and capacity building. Furthermore, provincial recommendations for national climate targets have designated sustainable development and environmental resilience as core priorities.
The Chief Minister concluded with an appeal for joint action among all institutions, international partners, the private sector, and civil society to tackle the climate crisis. “If we want to go far in achieving positive goals, we must travel together,” he said, stressing that collective efforts are essential for a sustainable and secure future for Balochistan.