Pakistan can leverage renewable energy and sustainable practices to mitigate climate change while driving economic growth and attracting environmental, social, and governance-focused investors, ultimately fostering a resilient economy for the future.

Addressing Limitations in Pakistan's Pursuit of Investments and Climate Action
In the global pursuit of a green transition, nations are increasingly confronted with balancing economic growth with the decarbonization imperative. Like many emerging economies, Pakistan finds itself at a critical juncture where the socioeconomic implications of climate action must be carefully navigated to ensure both environmental sustainability and economic stability.
The Socioeconomic Implications of Climate Action
Pakistan's economic framework is deeply intertwined with fossil fuels, which are not only a primary energy source but also a significant contributor to the national economy. The potential risks associated with transitioning away from fossil fuels—such as rising costs of living, threats to employment in traditional sectors, and the financial burden of restructuring—are considerable. These concerns are echoed across various regions globally, including Latin America, Southern Africa, and emerging Asia, where economic growth remains a priority alongside the pressure to decarbonize.
For Pakistan, the challenge is multifaceted. The country must grapple with the potential socioeconomic fallout of reducing fossil fuel dependence while also addressing the broader impacts of climate change, such as the increased frequency of extreme weather events and the associated costs of disaster management and infrastructure rebuilding.
Data and Framework Deficiencies
A significant hurdle in this green transition is the lack of robust data, frameworks, and tools needed to fully understand and address the socioeconomic implications of climate action. Pakistan, like many other developing nations, suffers from a scarcity of systematic data collection and the absence of comprehensive metrics to gauge the equity implications of climate policies.
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) 2024 Executive Opinion Survey, conducted by Mishal Pakistan as the Country Partner Institute of the New Economy and Societies Platform, WEF, highlights that unequal access to financing for green investments, gaps in technology and know-how, and risks to consumer accessibility of goods and services are among the top equity risks associated with the green transition. These challenges are particularly pronounced in countries like Pakistan, where financial resources and technological capabilities are limited.

Pakistan's economic framework is deeply intertwined with fossil fuels, which are not only a primary energy source but also a significant contributor to the national economy. 

The Need for Equity in Climate Action
The concept of fairness in the distribution of costs and benefits of climate action is crucial for building public support and ensuring policy stability. In Pakistan, where income inequality and poverty are significant issues, climate policies that disproportionately impact the poor could lead to social unrest. Therefore, Pakistan's climate action strategies must be designed with equity at their core.
While many countries have recognized the importance of equity in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, the evidence and tools necessary for informed policy responses are often lacking. Pakistan's policymakers need access to better data and frameworks that can help them understand the multidimensional equity implications of transitioning away from emissions-intensive sectors.
Global Archetypes and Pakistan’s Position
The WEF’s report, ‘Accelerating an Equitable Transition: A Data-driven Approach’, identifies six country archetypes based on their approach to the green transition, ranging from Inclusive Green Adopters to Frontier Economies. Pakistan, with its low emissions per capita and a large, young population, fits into the category of Frontier Economies. These countries face significant challenges in building foundational capacities for sustainable growth while being highly vulnerable to climate risks.
Pakistan's position as a Frontier Economy means that while its emissions are relatively low, the country still needs to invest in developing a skilled workforce, enhancing access to finance, and building resilience against physical climate risks. This necessitates innovative financing mechanisms and international cooperation to enable the country to transition to green growth without compromising its development goals.

Pakistan, with its low emissions per capita and a large, young population, fits into the category of Frontier Economies. These countries face significant challenges in building foundational capacities for sustainable growth while being highly vulnerable to climate risks.

Chapter 6 of the Paris Agreement and the SPAR6C Framework for Pakistan
The Paris Agreement, a landmark international treaty, established a global framework to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. A crucial yet often overlooked component of this agreement is Chapter 6, which deals with cooperative approaches and internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs). This chapter facilitates countries in achieving their NDCs through voluntary cooperation, allowing for the transfer of emissions reductions between countries.
Chapter 6 is particularly relevant for countries like Pakistan, where domestic resources for climate action are limited. Through cooperative mechanisms, Pakistan can engage in the global carbon market, potentially attracting international investments that could be directed towards sustainable development projects. However, participation in these mechanisms requires robust infrastructure, clear policy frameworks, and transparency to ensure that such cooperation is beneficial and does not lead to inequitable outcomes.
To operationalize Chapter 6 effectively, the SPAR6C Framework (Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation) has been developed. This framework aims to help countries prepare for and participate in the mechanisms of Article 6 by providing technical assistance, capacity building, and support in establishing transparent systems for reporting and verification.
For Pakistan, the SPAR6C Framework offers a pathway to leverage international cooperation in achieving its climate goals while addressing socioeconomic challenges. By aligning with the SPAR6C Framework, Pakistan can:

For Pakistan, the SPAR6C Framework offers a pathway to leverage international cooperation in achieving its climate goals while addressing socioeconomic challenges.

▪ Enhance Institutional Capacity. Strengthen institutions responsible for managing carbon markets and climate finance, ensuring that Pakistan can effectively participate in global carbon trading while safeguarding national interests.
▪ Attract International Investment. Position itself as an attractive destination for climate-related investments, particularly in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and other low-carbon sectors.
▪ Support Economic Diversification. Utilize international funds and carbon credits to support the transition away from fossil fuels, investing in sectors that can provide alternative employment opportunities and drive economic growth.
▪ Ensure Transparency and Accountability. Establish robust systems for monitoring, reporting, and verification to ensure that the benefits of international cooperation are equitably distributed and that climate action contributes to social and economic equity.
▪ Facilitate Knowledge Exchange. Engage in knowledge-sharing initiatives with other countries and international organizations to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and best practices in climate action.
By adopting the SPAR6C Framework, Pakistan can enhance its preparedness for international cooperation under the Paris Agreement, unlocking new opportunities for sustainable development while ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon economy is equitable and inclusive.

A significant hurdle in this green transition is the lack of robust data, frameworks, and tools needed to fully understand and address the socioeconomic implications of climate action.

Moving Forward: Strategies for an Equitable Transition
For Pakistan, the path forward involves leveraging common strategies that have been successful in other nations while tailoring them to its unique economic, institutional, and geographical context. This includes:
▪ Strengthening Data Collection. Establishing robust mechanisms for systematic data collection on climate action impacts, particularly in emissions-intensive sectors, to inform policy decisions.
▪ Investing in Green Technologies. Enhancing access to green technologies and building domestic capabilities to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while creating new employment opportunities.
▪  Ensuring Inclusive Growth. Developing policies that ensure the costs of climate action are equitably distributed across society, with particular attention to protecting vulnerable populations.
▪ Building International Partnerships. Engaging in international collaborations to access financing, technology, and expertise that can support Pakistan’s green transition.
The green transition in Pakistan, as in many parts of the world, requires a delicate balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. By addressing the limitations in data, frameworks, and tools, and by prioritizing equity in climate action, Pakistan can work towards a sustainable future that benefits both its people and the planet. The lessons learned from global experiences, combined with a commitment to inclusive and equitable policies, will be key to navigating this complex transition.
The Strategic Role of SIFC in Pakistan’s Green Transition
Pakistan's efforts to balance economic growth with climate action, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) emerges as a pivotal institutional partner. SIFC’s role in Pakistan’s green transition could be transformative, given its mandate and operational focus. Unlike the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the current custodian of the SPAR6C, which is primarily tasked with environmental regulation and policy formulation, SIFC’s broader economic remit allows it to integrate climate action into the core of Pakistan’s economic development strategy, making it a more effective partner in driving the green transition.
SIFC’s Strategic Advantages
▪   Cross-Sectoral Coordination. SIFC can coordinate across multiple sectors of the economy, including energy, infrastructure, and industry, all of which are critical to the green transition. This cross-sectoral approach ensures that climate policies are not developed in isolation but are integrated into the broader economic agenda. The council’s structure, which brings together various ministries and departments under one umbrella, allows for streamlined decision-making and the alignment of national economic goals with environmental objectives.
▪   Investment Mobilization. One of the key roles of SIFC is to attract and facilitate foreign and domestic investment in Pakistan. This capability is crucial for the green transition, which requires significant financial resources to fund green infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and other sustainable initiatives. SIFC can leverage its networks and relationships with international investors to channel funds into environmentally sustainable projects, making it a critical partner in scaling up Pakistan’s green economy.
▪  Public-Private Partnerships. SIFC is well-positioned to foster public-private partnerships (PPPs), which are essential for the large-scale implementation of green projects. By partnering with private sector entities, SIFC can facilitate the transfer of technology, expertise, and capital necessary for Pakistan’s green transformation. These partnerships can also drive innovation, helping to develop and deploy new green technologies that are crucial for reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability.
▪  Economic Diversification. SIFC’s mandate includes promoting economic diversification, which is key to reducing Pakistan’s reliance on fossil fuels. By supporting the development of green industries, such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable agriculture, SIFC can help create new economic opportunities that align with Pakistan’s climate goals. This diversification not only reduces the carbon footprint but also builds resilience against the economic impacts of climate change.
Why SIFC is a Better Institutional Partner Than the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination
▪  Economic Focus with Environmental Integration. While the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination is vital for regulatory oversight and environmental protection, its focus is largely on policy and enforcement. SIFC, on the other hand, is positioned at the intersection of economic policy and climate action, allowing it to integrate environmental considerations into the broader economic strategy. This integration is crucial for ensuring that climate policies are economically viable and can be effectively implemented across different sectors.
▪  High-Level Decision-Making. SIFC operates at a higher level of government, with direct involvement from the Prime Minister, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), and key ministers, which gives it the clout necessary to drive significant reforms. This high-level engagement ensures that climate action is prioritized within the national security and economic agenda and that economic policies are aligned with environmental goals. The Ministry of Climate Change, while influential, often operates within a narrower scope, focusing primarily on environmental issues without the same level of influence over broader economic policies.
▪  Access to Resources and Expertise. SIFC has access to a broader pool of resources, including financial, technical, and human resources, which are essential for driving the green transition. Its ability to mobilize investments and facilitate international cooperation positions it as a more effective partner for implementing large-scale climate initiatives. The Ministry of Climate Change, while important for policy guidance, may lack the resources and institutional capacity to drive the economic changes needed for a green transition.

By adopting the SPAR6C Framework, Pakistan can enhance its preparedness for international cooperation under the Paris Agreement, unlocking new opportunities for sustainable development while ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon economy is equitable and inclusive.

▪  Facilitating International Cooperation. Given its role in investment facilitation and economic diplomacy, SIFC is better equipped to engage with international partners and multilateral organizations. This is particularly important in the context of accessing global climate finance, participating in carbon markets, and securing technical assistance for green projects. The Ministry of Climate Change, while engaged in international climate negotiations, does not have the same breadth of engagement with international investors and financial institutions.
SIFC’s strategic position at the confluence of economic development and climate action makes it a crucial strategic partner in Pakistan’s green transition. Its ability to coordinate across sectors, mobilize investment, and foster public-private partnerships, combined with its high-level decision-making power, makes it better suited than the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination to drive the comprehensive and integrated approach needed for Pakistan to achieve its climate and economic goals. By leveraging SIFC’s strengths, Pakistan can ensure that its green transition is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically robust and socially equitable.
Climate change, when strategically addressed, can serve as a powerful tool for attracting new investments in countries like Pakistan. By positioning itself as a proactive player in the global fight against climate change, Pakistan can tap into the growing pool of international climate finance, green bonds, and sustainable investment funds. The push towards renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure presents an opportunity to not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also to spur economic growth and job creation. By aligning its economic development strategies with global sustainability goals, Pakistan can attract investors who are increasingly prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. This approach not only enhances Pakistan's global standing but also fosters a more resilient and diversified economy, capable of thriving in a future where sustainability is paramount.

The writer is a global expert in competitiveness, risk assessments, and development. He leads Mishal Pakistan, the country's partner institute of the World Economic Forum, and serves as a senior expert with UNESCO's Inclusive Policy Lab. His expertise spans narratology, strategic communications, and AI policy, supported by academic credentials from Harvard Law School, MIT, Tufts University, Stanford, LKY School of Public Policy, National Defence University Islamabad, and Harvard Kennedy School. 
Email: [email protected] 
X: @amirjahangir