ISLAMABAD: The government on Wednesday claimed making significant strides towards green industrialisation, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable manufacturing and regulatory enforcement to tackle environmental challenges.

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environment al Coordination Romina Khurshid Alam highlighted these efforts while addressing the UNCTAD & SPRC Green Industrialisation Project.

She underscored the importance of aligning industrial practices with global environmental standards to ensure a sustainable economic future.

According to astatement, while emphasising the urgency of transforming Pakistan`s industrial sector, Ms Alam pointed out the need for a balanced approach between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

A key focus of this transition wasthe plastics sector, which contributed 15pc to the national GDP and employed over 1.2 million people.

However, the sector also presented challenges, including high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, excessive waste generation and weak regulatory compliance, all of which contribute to environmental degradation.

`The plastics sector is vital to our economy, but it also poses significant environmental risks. To mitigate these challenges, we must implement robust regulatory enforcement and adopt improved recycling practices in line with the principles of a circular economy.

`Federal and provincial environmental protection agencies (EPAs) must play a proactive role in ensuring compliance and fostering a cleaner, more sustainable manufacturing sector,` Romina Alam said.

In the statement, the ministry said Pakistan`s efforts were being guided by the development of the Green Industrialisation Policy Framework under the UNCTAD & SPRC Green Industrialisation Project.This framework aimed to reduce industrial GHG emissions, particularly in high-emission industries like plastic while also strengthening compliance with existing environmental standards and developing new regulations as required.

It also aimed to promote cleaner production methods to reduce pollution and enhance energy efficiency and improve commercial practices to build a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.

The Ministry of Climate Change, in collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Industries and Production, Ministry of Commerce, Board of Investment, and provincial departments of industries, was working towards finalising and implementing this policy framework at both national and provincial levels. This collaboration ensures that the framework is adaptable to the country`s diverse industriallandscape.

The ministry said additionally, the State Bank of Pakistan was spearheading its green taxonomy initiative to mobilise green finance for sustainable manufacturing practices. Thegovernment considered this initiative crucialin encouraginggreen business practices and attracting investment into environmentally-friendly sectors.

`We recognise that transitioning to a green industrial model is essential to meet Pakistan`s climate and development goals. Implementing lean, green, and globally competitive industrial practices will be pivotal in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and fulfilling Pakistan`s net-zero emissions target by 2050,` Ms Alam said.

To further this commitment, the Ministry of Climate Change was organising a policy roundtable to bring together stakeholders from government, industry, academia and civil society.

The roundtable aims to institutionalise the Green Industrialisation Policy Framework as a national strategy for sustainable economic growth.

The ministry maintained that the framework will serve as a blueprint for a sustainable industrial future, addressing both environmental and economic needs.