Green Pakistan Programme figures raise budget questions

Islamabad: Official figures presented by the Ministry of Climate Change have raised a major numerical question: the total cost of the Upscaling of Green Pakistan Programme is stated at Rs 122.146 billion while the allocated budget for 2026 27 was listed as Rs 2,335.499 billion.

The figures were given in a written reply to a question by MNA Tamkeen Akhtar Niazi about monitoring forestry funds, climate financing and Pakistan’s position on global climate injustice.

According to the ministry, the Green Pakistan programme will continue until 2028, carrying out forestry and plantation activities across the country.

The ministry said a dedicated Monitoring and Evaluation Unit has been established under the programme. It is headed by a Deputy Project Director and carries out regular monitoring through monitoring and field officers.

The government has also developed an independent third party monitoring system involving the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Food and Agriculture Organization and World Wide Fund for Nature.

The ministry said these arrangements aim to monitor the use of funds and the progress of forestry activities.

On climate financing, the government said it has prepared a National Climate Finance Strategic Framework to attract private sector investment for green projects.

Pakistan has also submitted three project proposals to the Loss and Damage Fund, which are currently under process.

Two of these proposals were submitted through UNDP and WHO. Each proposal is worth $20 million, making their combined value $40 million.

One proposal focuses on recovery and strengthening systems against unavoidable climate impacts, while the other seeks to improve climate resilient health systems and reduce losses caused by climate change.

The ministry also said Pakistan contributes approximately 1 percent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions but remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.

It said Pakistan continues to raise this imbalance at international forums, arguing that developing countries contribute little to global emissions but suffer a much greater share of climate damage.

According to the reply, Pakistan has been working with other countries and negotiating groups under the United Nations climate process to push the principles of climate justice and equity.

The government said it would continue raising the issue at international forums and seek greater recognition of the burden faced by vulnerable developing countries.

The question and reply were laid before the National Assembly during the 29th session.