Pakistan’s federal government has proposed placing the Pakistan Climate Change Authority under the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. The proposal forms part of amendments to the Pakistan Climate Change Act, 2017, aimed at restructuring the country’s climate governance framework.
The government introduced a bill in the National Assembly that seeks to redefine the authority’s powers, composition and operational responsibilities. Moreover, the proposed changes would revise the structure and functions of the Pakistan Climate Change Council.
Government Proposes Changes to Climate Council
Under the bill, the federal ministers for industries and health would join the council. Additionally, the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan would become members.
The legislation also proposes reducing non-official council membership from 20 to 15. These members would represent climate experts, scientists, researchers, academics and private sector stakeholders. Furthermore, the bill would reduce the minimum number of annual council meetings from two to one.
The proposed amendments would also expand the council’s authority to issue directions for protecting forests, wildlife and biodiversity. Consequently, the revised framework could strengthen coordination across environmental protection initiatives.
Authority Membership and Leadership Structure Revised
The bill proposes increasing the Pakistan Climate Change Authority’s membership from nine to 12, while adding representation from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
It also sets a two-year term for the authority’s chairperson, with the prime minister retaining the power to grant an additional two-year extension. These changes would reshape the institution’s leadership and administrative arrangements.
However, the proposed amendments have not yet become law. Parliament must approve the bill before the changes can take effect.
The government says the reforms seek to clarify institutional responsibilities and improve coordination between climate-related bodies. Meanwhile, the ministry would retain a central role in policymaking and international representation.
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