CLIMATE change has emerged as one of the gravest threats to Pakistan’s economic survival, environmental security and human development. Yet, years after the devastating floods of 2022, international promises of financial assistance for Pakistan’s recovery and climate resilience remain inadequately fulfilled. The widening gap between commitments and actual delivery raises serious questions about global climate diplomacy and climate justice. Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperatures, rainfall patterns and weather systems, accelerated largely by human activities, particularly fossil-fuel consumption, deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Its consequences include rising temperatures, heatwaves, unpredictable monsoons, floods, droughts, melting glaciers and water insecurity.

Pakistan is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, despite contributing less than one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. The catastrophic floods of 2022 affected approximately 33 million people, destroying homes, crops and infrastructure and causing billions of dollars in economic losses. Agriculture, food security, public health and livelihoods continue to face mounting risks. At the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan, held in Geneva on January 9, 2023, international development partners and financial institutions pledged approximately $10.98 billion for Pakistan’s Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework (4RF).

The World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, European Union and several bilateral partners were among the contributors. However, the crucial question remains: how much of this assistance has actually reached Pakistan? Figures reported in August 2025 indicated that approximately $4.69........

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