ISLAMABAD (January 22, 2026) - Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Shizra Mansab Ali Khan said the government was pursuing region-specific strategies to tackle climate and environmental challenges while strongly advocating a fair and just global distribution of green financing.

She was speaking at a luncheon hosted here for climate change beat reporters, attended by senior journalists from Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Dr Shizra said comprehensive climate strategies had been developed for Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan, with concrete measures being implemented in line with the national climate policy. She added that Pakistan had formally urged the international community to ensure equitable access to green financing, particularly for countries most vulnerable to climate impacts.

Highlighting conservation efforts, the minister said a strict ban on deforestation was in force nationwide and legal action was being taken against those involved in illegal logging. She added that strong measures were also underway to protect fertile land from encroachment and degradation.

Referring to glacial protection, Dr Shizra said expert-led initiatives were being implemented in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan to safeguard glaciers, describing them as critical to Pakistan’s long-term water security.

She said urban settlements across the country were being brought under planned frameworks in accordance with the law. Provincial governments, she added, had been directed to strictly enforce city planning regulations and ensure that construction activities complied with approved plans and environmental standards to protect forests, biodiversity, and wildlife.

Criticising global green financing mechanisms, the minister said nearly 85 per cent of available climate finance was being received by just 10 countries, calling the situation “deeply unjust”. She questioned why countries responsible for large-scale environmental damage continued to attract the bulk of climate funding, while vulnerable nations struggled for access. She also pointed to regional emissions, saying neighbouring countries, particularly India, were major contributors to carbon pollution.

Dr Shizra further disclosed that, on the prime minister’s directives, orders had been issued to demolish illegal commercial constructions along riverbanks in Gilgit-Baltistan. Provinces, she said, had been strictly instructed to ensure all urban development complied with city planning laws.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the minister said Pakistan remained focused on environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development to secure a safer future for coming generations.
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For official communication or media-related inquiries, please contact: Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, Deputy Director (Media and Communication) Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Government of Pakistan at email:  dd.media@mocc.gov.pk.