ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday proposed amendments to the Pakistan Climate Change Act 2017 to remove overlapping responsibilities between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and the Pakistan Climate Change Authority (PCCA).

According to the proposed amendments, the ministry will retain the central role in policymaking and international representation. According to the statement of objects and reasons accompanying the proposed amendments, the changes aimed to streamline climate governance, improve institutional coordination and clarify the respective functions of the ministry and the authority.

The Pakistan Climate Change Act 2017 established a legal and institutional framework for addressing climate-related challenges, including the creation of the Pakistan Climate Change Council and the PCCA. The authority was established in 2024.

However, the implementation of the law showed duplication of functions between the ministry and theauthority, particularly in policy formulation, coordination and implementation.

According to the government, Pakistan was among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, facing increasingly frequent and intense floods, droughts, heat waves and other extreme weather events. It consistently figured among the countries most affected by climate change in global assessments over the past two decades.

The proposed amendments also sought to strengthen the institutional framework for implementing Pakistan`s international environmental commitments, including those under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

The ministry was also involved in international frameworks concerning biodiversity, desertification and sustainable development, requiring effective coordination in implementation, reporting and compliance. Under the proposed changes, the ministry wouldretain the lead role in formulating policies, coordinating climate-related initiatives and representing Pakistan at international forums.

The PCCA, meanwhile, would be redefined as a technical and advisory body tasked with supporting the ministry in implementing climate policies and related activities.

The amendments also proposed removing redundant provisions, streamlining the authority`s functions and improving coordination with provincial governments and other stakeholders.

In addition, the proposed legislation sought to specify the composition of the authority, the qualifications required for its members and the process for their appointment to ensure that relevant expertise is available.

The changes are intended to establish a clearer division of responsibilities, improve institutional efficiency and strengthen Pakistan`s capacity to meet its domestic climate priorities and international obligations. Staff Reporter