Islamabad: Pakistan’s achievements at COP29 have fortified its commitment to adopting international carbon trading guidelines, The Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Romina Khurshid Alam, highlighted the significance of the outcomes from the conference held in Baku, focusing on the approval of carbon guidelines as a key milestone in climate action efforts.

According to Press Information Department, Ms. Alam, speaking at the “Post COP Dialogue on operationalization of article 6 of the Paris agreement: The road from Baku to Belem” arranged by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, emphasized the necessity for robust monitoring and validation systems. These are deemed essential for the successful operationalization of carbon markets. She noted the importance of Article 6 for Pakistan, describing it as an opportunity to develop global carbon markets vital for achieving low-carbon growth and adaptation objectives.

Ms. Alam stated that the approval of carbon guidelines represents a historic advancement. She stressed that Pakistan is ready to implement these guidelines with integrity and transparency, aligning institutional frameworks with global standards to attract investment and ensure environmental integrity. Highlighting Pakistan’s potential in carbon markets, she underscored the country’s unique position to drive change through renewable energy, afforestation, and sustainable urban development initiatives.

Regional collaboration in South Asia was also noted as crucial for shared progress in carbon trading and climate finance. Acknowledging challenges such as capacity gaps and regulatory needs, Ms. Alam shared that Pakistan is building partnerships with multilateral agencies and private stakeholders to develop necessary expertise and infrastructure.

Ms. Alam reaffirmed Pakistan’s role in global climate negotiations, advocating for inclusive and equitable frameworks under Article 6. She called on developed nations to meet financial and technical support commitments, facilitating successful implementation of Article 6 mechanisms. Additional voices at the event included Zulfiqar Younas from the Ministry of Climate Change, Ambassador Shafqat Kakakhel, Danish Ambassador Jakob Linulf, and Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri of SDPI.