ISLAMABAD – Former federal minister and Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman, on Thursday strongly criticized the federal government for slashing the climate change budget by over 60%, calling the move “a step backwards for Pakistan’s environmental resilience.”
Addressing the Senate session, Senator Rehman expressed grave concerns over the government’s decision to downgrade the Ministry of Climate Change to a division, along with a significant reduction in its development and operational funds. She warned that the move would severely compromise Pakistan’s ability to respond to climate-related disasters, especially with the monsoon season around the corner.
“You’ve given us a car but no fuel,” the senator remarked, lamenting the lack of resources available to key climate response institutions.
Climate Crisis Looms, Resources Shrink
The senator highlighted that critical urban areas, including Rawalpindi, were at immediate risk due to stalled cleaning and flood preparedness operations. With monsoon rains expected soon, debris in vulnerable channels like the Leh Nullahremains uncleared.
Rehman emphasized that the Provincial and National Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA and NDMA) lack the upgraded machinery and capacity needed to handle potential flooding emergencies.
International Reputation at Stake
Senator Rehman also warned that the budget cuts could harm Pakistan’s credibility on the global stage.
“How can we expect international climate finance if we’re not even investing in our own future?” she questioned.
Pakistan, she reminded the Senate, had secured a lead role at COP27, helping push through the Loss and Damage Fundto support vulnerable countries. She stated that the current fiscal policies contradict the commitments made at international climate forums.
Key Demands from Senate Climate Committee
Senator Rehman and the committee have demanded:
- Restoration of full ministerial status to the Climate Change Division
- Reinstatement of critical funding for urban flood management and emergency preparedness
- A national climate finance strategy to leverage both domestic and global resources
She concluded by stating that Pakistan, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, cannot afford to treat climate change as a “secondary issue.”