By: Maleeha Khan
Islamabad: A high-level panel convened by Secours Islamique France (SIF) Mission Pakistan ahead of COP30 warned that true climate justice for vulnerable countries like Pakistan depends on stronger global commitments paired with robust, localized, community-driven climate action.
SIF Mission Pakistan organised a COP30 panel discussion titled “Advancing Climate Justice and Community”, bringing together experts from humanitarian agencies, research institutions, and international organisations. Speakers stressed that climate finance must shift from pledges to practical action as Pakistan continues to face intensifying climate shocks.
Dr. Altaf Abro, Head of Mission SIF Pakistan, said climate change is no longer an abstract debate but a lived reality for millions in Pakistan. Ranked among the top ten most climate-vulnerable countries, Pakistan is experiencing heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires at a pace that exceeds global negotiations. He called for a just energy transition and fair access to adaptation finance, noting that farmers are losing livelihoods and children are losing future opportunities. Dr. Abro expressed concern that the loss and damage fund still holds only USD 300 million with unclear disbursement protocols, while major emitters such as India, China, and the United States are not part of COP30.
Thomas Canon, Deputy Country Director WFP Pakistan, noted that although COP conferences often bring both hope and disappointment, Pakistan can still secure meaningful climate finance. He stressed the need for transparent financing systems so funds reach vulnerable communities, strengthen infrastructure, and support social protection. Canon warned that a one-degree rise in global temperature could push millions more into food insecurity.
Syed Javed Gillani, Executive Director Muslim Hands, cautioned that COP gatherings risk becoming mere talk forums unless they deliver real relief for climate-affected nations. He argued that countries benefiting from industrialisation must support those bearing the climate burden. Gillani called for community-driven adaptation systems, saying migration toward cities is creating unplanned settlements and health challenges.
Dr. Anjum Rasheed, Head of Climate Resilience Program at IRS, said COP30 is centred on climate justice and operationalising the loss and damage fund. She noted that global temperature projections have dropped from 4°C to 2.7°C, showing collective progress. In Pakistan, disasters continue to fuel poverty and displacement, while poor urban planning—such as in Islamabad’s E-11 and around the Ravi River—intensifies risks. She called for empowered local governments, evidence-driven policymaking, and public climate awareness supported by early warning systems.
Raza Narejo, Deputy Country Director Islamic Relief Pakistan, highlighted that over 70 million Pakistanis have been displaced by climate disasters, yet comprehensive rehabilitation remains lacking. He stressed the need to prioritise local preparedness and encouraged academic institutions to generate climate solutions through research.
SDPI Research Associate Nelam Pari said Pakistan’s COP30 engagement reflects critical national gaps in climate-resilient planning. She noted that communities across GB and KP lack adaptive systems, while women and girls were disproportionately affected during recent floods due to gaps in WASH and health facilities. She urged predictable finance, risk-based social protection, and direct funding for local authorities.
Moderating the Q&A session, Rameez Ahmed Sheikh, Senior Research & MEAL Officer, emphasised that effective climate adaptation requires strategic planning and strong governance.
In his closing remarks, Raza Hussain Qazi, Communication and Advocacy Manager SIF Pakistan, said the newly released Climate Risk Index 2026 again places Pakistan among the most climate-vulnerable countries despite contributing less than 1% of global emissions. He noted that public-private partnerships at the local level offer a promising pathway for adaptation and mitigation as Pakistan continues its pursuit of climate justice at both national and international levels.
