By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: Transparency International Pakistan convened a stakeholders’ consultation in a bid to strengthen inclusion and integrity in provincial climate governance, with a particular focus on transparency and accountability in the country’s emerging carbon market frameworks. The discussions, held in Sindh, laid bare both the immense economic potential of carbon credit projects and the structural hurdles preventing meaningful participation.
Pakistan is estimated to have the capacity to generate 100 million tons of CO₂ credits, a market that could translate into over $500 million in economic opportunities. Yet, the path to realising these benefits remains obstructed by prohibitively high accreditation costs and the absence of a national accrediting agency. Officials from the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination assured participants that efforts were underway to establish local accreditation bodies, a move that could ease the certification process and enhance market accessibility.
The issue of government authorization for carbon credit transactions emerged as a key concern, with participants stressing that without stringent oversight, the system risks being exploited. Integrity risks in Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) were highlighted, with experts warning that failure to uphold high-integrity, high-quality credits could erode confidence in Pakistan’s ability to play a credible role in the global carbon market.
Civil society organizations from climate-vulnerable districts across Sindh contributed to the discussion, urging authorities to ensure greater community participation in carbon credit projects. Sindh, they argued, holds significant potential for such initiatives, but without local involvement and oversight, there is a risk that benefits may not reach the communities most affected by climate change.
The consultation also exposed deeper governance issues, particularly concerning Pakistan’s commitments under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). Participants voiced frustration over the lack of an effective whistleblower protection law in Sindh, warning that individuals who expose corruption in climate projects often face retaliation. The provincial government was urged to enact a robust legal framework to ensure anonymity and safety for whistleblowers, a step seen as essential to fostering accountability in climate governance.
In a further call for reform, experts and activists pressed for the enactment of a Conflict of Interest Act in Sindh, aligning with international standards such as the International Code of Conduct for Public Officials. The move, they argued, would reinforce Pakistan’s commitment to transparency and prevent undue influence in climate policy.
With Pakistan seeking to position itself as a serious player in the global carbon market, the consultation made clear that without meaningful governance reforms, the country risks losing out on a crucial economic opportunity—one that could define its role in the fight against climate change.
