Senate Body Reviews National Green Taxonomy Policy to Address Climate Change Emergency
Karachi, March 19, 2025 – The Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination convened at the State Bank of Pakistan to review the draft National Green Taxonomy Policy, a critical initiative aimed at addressing Pakistan’s climate change emergency.
The meeting was attended by Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, Senator Zarqa Suharwardy, Senator Taj Haider, Senator Qurat-ul-Ain Mari, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmed, Deputy Governor Saleemullah, Joint Secretary Ministry of Finance Mohammad Nadeem Memon, Secretary Ministry of Climate Change Ayesha Humera Ch, and representatives from OCCI, Pakistan Business Council, and media.
Deputy Governor Saleemullah briefed the committee on the draft policy, which is currently in the consultation phase and set to be finalized this month. Developed in collaboration with federal and provincial stakeholders, the National Green Taxonomy Policy aims to identify key economic sectors and their carbon emissions. These sectors include Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, Manufacturing, Transport, Energy, Construction, Water and Waste, Information & Telecommunication, and Tourism. Based on their carbon footprints, sectors will be categorized as Green, Amber, or Red, with a focus on mitigation and adaptation strategies through stakeholder consultation and awareness.
Senator Sherry Rehman praised the State Bank’s efforts and emphasized Pakistan’s vulnerability as the second most climate-affected country. She stressed the need to route the draft policy through the Council of Common Interest (CCI) to ensure provincial involvement in implementation. “Pakistan is facing severe water scarcity, and farmers are struggling. With the US exiting the Paris Agreement, we must act swiftly—no one is coming to our rescue,” she stated. She also urged the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs) to lead efforts against carbon emitters and enhance public awareness.
Senators Taj Haider, Zarqa Suharwardy, and Qurat-ul-Ain Mari recommended that the draft policy undergo legislative review via the standing committees on Climate Change and Finance. They also highlighted the need for capacity building within the Ministry of Climate Change to ensure effective implementation.
Following the meeting, the senators visited the State Bank Museum, appreciating its efforts to preserve Pakistan’s historical heritage.
The National Green Taxonomy Policy represents a significant step toward combating climate change by categorizing sectors, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
