‘Climate challenges making situation more urgent and complex’

Islamabad:Shafqat Kakakhel, Chairperson, BoG, has noted that while efforts since the Industrial Revolution like global conferences and agreements fostered global cooperation, the emergence of climate change has intensified existing environmental challenges, making the situation more urgent and complex.

Mr Kakakhel was delivering keynote address here at Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in an in-house event to commemorate World Environment Day 2025

Mr Kakakhel underscored the significance of landmark events such as the 1972 Stockholm Conference, the first major international gathering on the environment, and foundational frameworks like the Rio Declarations which collectively laid the groundwork for both developed and developing countries to engage in shared environmental responsibility. He emphasised that Pakistan remained actively engaged in international forums on environmental protection and made seminal contribution to some of the foundational documents safeguarding the interest of the developing countries. He noted that despite these strides, substantial work still lies ahead to effectively address the evolving climate and environmental crises.

Dr Neelum Nigar, Director, emphasised that World Environment Day is a moment to reflect not only on the national but also the global dimensions of environmental degradation — from plastic pollution to the escalating impacts of climate change. She stressed the need to examine what policy and institutional responses are required to confront these challenges in a manner that is both just and effective

Researcher Ahmed Naeem Salik during his remarks, called attention to Pakistan’s plastic pollution crisis and identified enforcement, and governance issues as key challenges for the country. He urged the government to adopt a national plastic policy, phase out single-use plastics, enforce corporate accountability, support eco-friendly alternatives and launch mass awareness campaigns.