NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY OF PAKISTAN: IN SEARCH OF ADAPTATION, CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

Pakistan is facing critical challenges due to climate change. This paper critically examines Pakistan's National Climate Change Policy in the context of a skewed adaptation-mitigation balance. Despite efforts such as the Billion Tree Tsunami and adherence to international treaties reflecting the sense of mitigation, there are serious loopholes in the adaptation efforts. This research, based on an assessment of the governance issues, political instability, and shortage of funds, analyses the ineffectiveness of policy implementation and excessive reliance on foreign climate finance. The argument in this case is that Pakistan's unilateral emphasis on mitigation is dangerous to disaster resilience and economic stability, making the country susceptible to repeated cycles of environmental crises.