Two major political parties in Pakistan, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), have emphasized the importance of addressing climate change-related issues in their manifestos ahead of the upcoming general elections on February 8. This move comes after Pakistan experienced catastrophic floods in 2022 and has been ranked as the 5th most vulnerable country to climate change according to the Global Climate Risk Index. Additionally, a UN report has warned that Pakistan will face increasingly severe extreme weather events in the future.
The PML-N, led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, included measures to build a climate resilient Pakistan in their manifesto. Meanwhile, the PPP, with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as its head, dedicated a separate chapter called “Green New Deal: Climate Resilient Futures” in their manifesto. Both parties promised various actions to address climate change and protect their citizens from its impacts.
The third prominent party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, led by incarcerated Imran Khan, has not released a manifesto yet. However, based on the party’s previous initiatives such as the “Billion Tree Tsunami” as part of their “Green Growth Initiative,” it is apparent that climate change is a significant part of their agenda.
The PML-N manifesto states, “We must do everything to ensure that we increase our climate resilience and protect our people and our land from the dangers of climate change.” Similarly, the PPP manifesto emphasizes the importance of adapting, educating, and mitigating against global threats posed by extreme weather events.
As the general elections approach, it is clear that climate change is a pressing concern for the political parties in Pakistan. By including climate change-related issues in their manifestos, these parties are acknowledging the need for action and prioritizing the well-being and safety of their citizens in the face of climate change impacts.