The second edition of the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference began in Islamabad on Wednesday, bringing together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to discuss climate issues and solutions.

Pakistan contributes very little to global emissions but is one of the countries most affected by climate change. The conference aims to find practical and coordinated ways to deal with these challenges.

Sindh MPA Makhdoom Fakhar Zaman highlighted the severe impact of climate change in Sindh. He recalled the 2022 floods that displaced over 12 million people and said that the Indus Delta has reduced by more than 90 percent. He stressed that the province should focus on building resilience instead of just responding to disasters.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar urged people to change their daily habits, especially by using public transport more often. He pointed out that many people use large vehicles unnecessarily and emphasized that tackling climate change requires individual responsibility as well.

Tarar also said that while Pakistan has laws to deal with climate change, there is a lack of strong implementation. He noted that issues like plastic bag bans have existed for years but are still not properly enforced.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah said that better coordination between federal and provincial governments is essential. He added that climate change is now recognized as a constitutional matter, but the real challenge lies in enforcing existing policies.

He emphasized that climate disasters have exposed Pakistan’s economic and infrastructure weaknesses and called for stronger laws and immediate action. He also reminded that access to a clean and healthy environment is now a fundamental right under the Constitution.

The conference continues with discussions focused on finding practical solutions to Pakistan’s growing climate challenges.