KARACHI, Aug. 7: Sindh has become the first province in Pakistan to successfully implement a government-led carbon credit project, paving the way for climate finance, environmental conservation and new foreign exchange earnings through its internationally recognised mangrove restoration programme.
Addressing the 23rd Annual Environment Conference and Awards 2026, Sindh Minister for Local Government, Housing and Town Planning Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said the initiative reflects the provincial government’s commitment to transforming climate action into sustainable economic opportunities.
He said Sindh’s globally acclaimed mangrove restoration programme in the Indus Delta laid the foundation for Pakistan’s first government-backed carbon credit initiative, generating significant annual foreign exchange while strengthening the province’s climate resilience.
The minister announced that the Sindh government is modernising its environmental governance framework by amending the Sindh Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) to make it more transparent, efficient and aligned with international environmental standards.
He also revealed that a dedicated Directorate of Carbon Credits has been established under the Environment Department to facilitate climate finance and expand participation in international carbon markets. According to him, 13 carbon credit projects covering mangrove restoration, riverine forests, agroforestry, biogas generation and landfill methane reduction are currently at different stages of implementation.
Highlighting other climate initiatives, Nasir Hussain Shah said the provincial government is expanding urban forestry programmes across Karachi and other cities while carrying out extensive plantation campaigns along irrigation canals and public spaces.
He added that Sindh is also strengthening environmental monitoring through technology. Two fully automated air quality monitoring stations are already operational in Karachi, with plans to install 17 additional air quality analysers across the province. The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency has also automated its environmental monitoring and No Objection Certificate (NOC) system to improve transparency and regulatory compliance.
The minister said the government, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, is implementing the Jam Sakro Outfall Drain Project to enhance flood protection and climate resilience in the coastal areas of Thatta district.
Announcing support for civil society initiatives, Nasir Hussain Shah pledged 10,000 tree saplings for the National Forum for Environment & Health’s (NFEH) monsoon plantation campaign in Karachi, matching an equal contribution mobilised by the private sector.
Earlier, NFEH President Naeem Qureshi said the plantation campaign would be financed entirely through philanthropic support from the private sector and would contribute to restoring and beautifying Karachi’s parks. He stressed that strengthening local government systems is essential for addressing wastewater management, urban flooding, solid waste management and other environmental challenges.
Speaking at the conference, Younus Dagha, Chairman of the Policy Research & Advisory Council, warned that Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to climate disasters, recalling that the 2022 floods caused losses of around US$9 billion, with Sindh suffering the greatest damage. He emphasised the need for improved drainage infrastructure and completion of major flood protection projects.
Experts from the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Pakistan Meteorological Department, academia and industry also highlighted the urgency of climate adaptation, water conservation, energy efficiency, climate-resilient healthcare and stronger environmental governance.
During the event, the minister presented the Annual Environment Excellence Awards 2026 to 68 organisations and recognition awards to 14 companies for their contributions to environmental protection and tree plantation efforts, saying their achievements would encourage greater corporate participation in sustainable development and climate action across Pakistan.