Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has revealed that 51% of households in Balochistan live in income poverty while 71% of the population suffers from multidimensional poverty, calling for urgent climate adaptation measures to protect vulnerable communities.
Speaking at a symposium in Islamabad titled “Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in Balochistan,” Bugti said that climate change is the biggest challenge of the current era and that Balochistan remains the most climate-affected province in Pakistan.
Climate change worsening poverty in Balochistan
Bugti stated that after COP30, global climate action needs to accelerate, adding that Balochistan is already experiencing prolonged droughts, irregular rainfall, extreme heatwaves, floods and rising climate risks.
He said the province’s poverty levels have intensified due to climate change, with drought-affected and low-income communities bearing the highest burden.
Balochistan climate policy and renewable energy
According to the Chief Minister, the provincial government has introduced a comprehensive Climate Change Policy focusing on adaptation and mitigation across key sectors, including:
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energy
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transportation
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agriculture
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water
He added that renewable energy projects such as solar and wind power are being prioritised to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while electric vehicles and climate-friendly transport are being promoted.
Climate-smart agriculture and water security
Bugti said that Balochistan is adopting climate-smart agriculture practices like conservation farming and agro-forestry to improve food security and reduce greenhouse emissions.
In addition, a major focus has been placed on water efficiency, forest restoration and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Carbon trading opportunity for Balochistan
Highlighting international climate finance, the Chief Minister said that carbon trading could become a major financial opportunity for Balochistan.
He said the province is designing a carbon market framework that includes blue carbon projects, similar to the Delta Blue Carbon initiative in Sindh.
Balochistan Climate Change Fund
Bugti stated that the Balochistan Climate Change Fund is currently supporting adaptation and mitigation projects as well as capacity-building initiatives across the province.
He said provincial recommendations for national climate targets emphasise sustainability, low-carbon development and long-term climate resilience.
Call for international and national cooperation
The Chief Minister appealed to international development partners, private institutions and civil society to jointly combat climate change impacts in Balochistan.
He said collective action is essential for a safe, resilient and sustainable future for the province.
