KARACHI: The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has called for urgent mobilisation of large-scale climate finance, stressing that the private sector must play a central role in strengthening Pakistan’s climate resilience.
The appeal came at the launch of OICCI’s 3rd Pakistan Climate Conference Report, “Creating an Enabling Environment for Private Sector Participation in Climate Resilience.” Despite contributing less than 0.9% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan ranks first on the Climate Risk Index 2025 and continues to face disproportionate impacts. In 2022 alone, climate-induced disasters caused over \$30 billion in damages, with recovery needs exceeding \$16.3 billion.
Air pollution claims over 128,000 lives annually, while climate variability has slashed agricultural productivity by 10–20%, deepening economic and social pressures. Experts estimate Pakistan now requires \$40–50 billion annually for effective mitigation and adaptation.
Ministry of Climate Change Secretary Aisha Humera Chaudhry emphasised that substantial and timely climate finance is critical, adding that private sector initiatives, such as those driven by OICCI members, are integral to Pakistan’s climate strategy. She urged international partners to match Pakistan’s ambition with significant funding.
OICCI Secretary General M Abdul Aleem warned that Pakistan’s dependence on fossil fuels and carbon-intensive practices threatens exports under emerging trade rules, including the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. “Decarbonisation and green finance are no longer optional — they are essential to safeguard growth and competitiveness,” he said.
