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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has moved to the implementation phase of its national carbon market under a German-funded initiative, the climate ministry said on Monday, as the country seeks to strengthen its climate governance and attract international investment for low-carbon development.

The partnership, under the Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) program funded by the German Federal Government, aims to help Pakistan transition from policy readiness to practical implementation of market-based climate mechanisms in line with global standards.

Carbon markets allow countries and companies to buy and sell credits that represent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, creating a financial incentive to cut carbon output. Under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, nations can trade these credits internationally to help meet their climate targets while funding low-carbon projects in developing countries.

Pakistan faces intensifying climate challenges, from record-breaking heatwaves and glacial melt to catastrophic flooding that has killed over a 1,000 people this monsoon season and displaced millions. Ranked among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, Pakistan has been under growing pressure to build resilient, transparent frameworks that can unlock global climate finance and support its transition to a sustainable economy.

“Carbon markets are not just about trading credits, they’re about valuing climate action fairly and ensuring that every ton reduced translates into real benefits for our people and our economy,” Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Senator Dr. Musadik Malik said followed a meeting with Helene Paust, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Islamabad, along with representatives from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the UN Environment Programme Copenhagen Climate Center (UNEP-CCC).

Officials said the SPAR6C initiative will support Pakistan in developing transparent, high-integrity carbon pricing and trading systems, helping the country achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. 

The effort also seeks to mobilize new streams of climate finance, foster green innovation, and integrate Pakistan’s emissions reductions into international carbon markets.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday dispatched its 24th humanitarian consignment carrying 100 tons of food supplies to Gaza, the federal disaster management authority said, reaffirming the country’s continued support for Palestinians amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the Alkhidmat Foundation charity, the aid was sent via a chartered flight from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport to Gaza through Egypt. 

The consignment included flour, rice, sweet corn, chickpeas, ready-to-eat meals, cooking oil, and fruit cocktails.

“This marks Pakistan’s 24th relief consignment for Gaza, bringing the total aid sent so far to 2,327 tons,” the NDMA said in an official statement, adding that the latest shipment underscored the government of Pakistan’s “unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine in their time of need.”

A send-off ceremony was held at the airport and attended by officials from the NDMA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of the Alkhidmat Foundation.

The latest consignment comes as Gaza continues to face acute shortages of food, water, and medicine amid the prolonged conflict. 

Pakistan has been among the countries consistently sending humanitarian supplies since late 2023, coordinating deliveries through Egypt to ensure access to the besieged territory.