51% of Households in Balochistan Face Income Poverty, 71% in Multidimensional Poverty: CM Sarfraz Bugti

ISLAMABAD: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has said that climate change is the greatest global challenge of the present era, and despite being directly and severely affected, Balochistan continues to advance steadily on the path of sustainable development.

He expressed these views on Monday while addressing a symposium titled *“Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in Balochistan.”* The chief minister said that after COP30, the international community is demanding accelerated climate action — a responsibility and an opportunity for vulnerable regions like Balochistan.

He highlighted that the province has been experiencing droughts, abnormal rainfall, floods, severe heatwaves, and increasing climate instability, with the poorest populations suffering the most. He revealed that 51% of Balochistan’s households face income poverty, while 71% of its population is trapped in multidimensional poverty.

CM Bugti noted that the provincial government has formulated a comprehensive climate change policy, outlining clear strategies for mitigation and adaptation across the energy, transport, agriculture, and water sectors. He said that progress is underway on renewable energy initiatives — especially solar and wind projects — to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

In the transport sector, measures are being taken to promote electric vehicles and green infrastructure. Climate-smart agricultural practices such as conservation agriculture and agroforestry are being encouraged to strengthen food security and reduce emissions. He added that improved water governance, along with forest conservation and restoration, has also been prioritized.

Bugti said that carbon trading presents a major opportunity for Balochistan to access climate finance. The province is developing a strong carbon market framework and identifying potential projects, including blue carbon initiatives similar to the successful Delta Blue Carbon project in Sindh.

He highlighted that the Balochistan Climate Change Fund is supporting adaptation, mitigation, and capacity-building projects across the province. Provincial recommendations for national climate targets also place sustainability, low-carbon development, and environmental resilience at the core.

Calling for collective action, he urged institutions, international partners, the private sector, and civil society to join hands against the escalating climate crisis.

“If we aim to go far, we must move together,” he said, stressing that sustainable, safe, and climate-resilient progress for Balochistan requires united efforts.

CM Bugti congratulated the organizers on the successful symposium and expressed hope that continued collaboration would make climate action more effective and result-oriented for the province.