ISLAMABAD: A coalition for Pakistan’s private sector has been launched by the Pakistan Environment Trust, where leading companies have shown their climate stewardship to deliver net zero greenhouse gas emissions at the corporate level.

Ten companies across textile and fast moving consumer goods sectors are the first to commit to the goal.

The commitment to net zero by the coalition, Net Zero Pakistan, was reaffirmed at a roundtable convened by the Pakistan Environment Trust, British High Commission and Pakistan Textile Council.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam, British High Commissioner Christian Turner, former finance minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar, leaders from the ten signatories and other interested organisations were present.

The signatories, who have already signed up to Net Zero Pakistan and the global race to zero campaign, include Tetra Pak, Interloop, Sapphire Finishing Mills, Artistic Milliners, Gul Ahmed, Soorty Enterprises, US Apparel and Textiles, Crescent Bahuman, Mahmood Group and Liberty Mills.

These companies were invited to the roundtable to share their commitment towards net zero and to discuss the roadmap for Net Zero Pakistan.

Members of Net Zero Pakistan also in turn signed up to the global race to zero campaign championed by the British High Commission and the United Kingdom’s role as the COP26 president.

Amin Aslam said: “Pakistan remains on the frontline of climate impact and yet our government, under the leadership of Imran Khan, is committed to climate action on ground. We have put our trust in nature-based solutions and clean energy and believe in being a part of the solution to climate change rather than adding to the global problem.”

He said the bottom-up climate initiative for net zero led by the private sector is unique and would hopefully have a big impact.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2021