Climate change is not merely an environmental issue, but rather a profound crisis affecting national security, the economy, health, food security, and the protection of future generations. Pakistan ranks among the most vulnerable countries in the world facing the serious impacts of climate change. Sometimes, the cost is affected by devastating floods, severe heat waves, droughts, unseasonal rains, and glacier retreat that are continuously having severe negative impacts on the economy, agriculture, infrastructure, and public life. If the federal and provincial governments impose any substantial levy to protect the environment in such crucial circumstances, then no one should object to them, as various green taxes and climate levies are already implemented around the world for environmental protection; however, the public has a right to ask whether the money generated by these taxes is really being spent on environmental protection or not?

During the last fiscal year, the government collected Rs 48 billion in climate support levy (CSL), while at the beginning of the current fiscal year 2026-27, the climate levy, originally called the carbon levy on petroleum products, was increased from Rs 2.50 to Rs 5 per litre. After this decision, the amount collected from the climate levy is estimated to almost double this year. On the other hand, it is surprising that........

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