December 8, 2025
A high-level conference on Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in Balochistan, organized by the Planning and Development Department of the Government of Balochistan, was held today at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad. The event brought together federal and provincial ministers, senior government officials, climate experts, development partners including the World Bank and UN agencies, private-sector leaders, as well as representatives from academic institutions to advance coordinated action on the province’s pressing environmental and climate challenges. The conference opened with welcome remarks by Mr. Zahid Saleem, Additional Chief Secretary (Development), who highlighted Balochistan’s acute climate vulnerabilities and the province’s determination to mainstream resilience into development planning. He emphasized the need for strong partnerships and evidence-driven solutions to safeguard communities and ecosystems. This was followed by an address from Ms. Romina Khurshid, Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate, who underscored the federal government’s commitment to strengthening climate governance and enhancing provincial capacities. She reiterated that climate adaptation in Balochistan is vital not only for local resilience but also for Pakistan’s national climate goals. The keynote address was delivered by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, who stressed the urgency of coordinated action for climate-resilient growth. He called for inclusive policies, investment in resilient infrastructure, and greater private-sector engagement to support livelihoods and protect natural resources. A high-level plenary titled “Partnerships for Climate Action” examined collaborative approaches for mitigation and adaptation. A technical presentation by the Carbon Market and Climate Finance Expert outlined major risks—such as drought, desertification, water scarcity, and disaster exposure—while panelists from development institutions emphasized the need for multi-sector coordination and long-term financing to scale climate priorities. Throughout the day, thematic sessions explored priority areas for sustainable development: Building Climate Resilience and Environmental Protection focused on safeguarding ecosystems, improving provincial institutions, and strengthening disaster preparedness. Representatives from the World Bank, UNICEF, SDPI, and academia shared research, field insights, and recommendations for policy reforms. A session on Mitigation through Climate Finance examined opportunities in carbon markets, public-private partnerships, and green investment frameworks. Speakers highlighted the potential to unlock private capital for renewable energy, ecosystem restoration, and emissions-reduction initiatives. The final session, Climate Adaptation through Innovation and Technology, showcased emerging solutions such as climate-smart agriculture, solarbased energy applications, and tech-enabled systems for resilience. Presenters discussed scalable models suited to Balochistan’s geography, livelihoods, and institutional context. The conference concluded with a presentation of key findings by Mr. Zahid Saleem, who outlined actionable pathways including policy alignment, institutional strengthening, climate finance mobilization, and data-driven decision-making. Speaker Balochistan Assembly Capt: (R) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai delivered closing remarks, appreciated the development partners for their interest, commitment and participation by making it a successful seminar for ensuring long-term, climate-resilient development in Balochistan. The event ended with acknowledgments and the distribution of commemorative shields. The conference marked an important milestone in advancing Balochistan’s climate agenda, laying a foundation for deeper partnerships, innovation-led solutions, and sustained commitment to protecting the province’s environment and communities.
