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Category: In the News

  • ‘Reforms needed to cut fossil fuel use’

    Via Express Tribune

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan needs urgent structural reforms to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, improve export competitiveness and accelerate industrial growth to effectively respond to climate change challenges, experts said at a seminar held here on Thursday.

    The views were expressed during a discussion titled “Driving a Just Industrial Transition: Role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and Solar Rush in Pakistan’s Textile Sector.” The seminar was organised by Alternate Development Services (ADS) and brought together policymakers, industrial professionals, economists and civil society representatives.

    Speakers stressed the need to align MDB financing with Pakistan’s national priorities, accelerate solar adoption in the textile sector and address climate justice concerns, including debt relief and concessional finance to prevent further burdening debt-stressed and debt-trapped nations like Pakistan.

    A scoping study based on primary data from 80 textile mills in Faisalabad and Multan was presented by Dr Ali Abbas Kazmi of USPCASE, NUST, and Usman Bin Ahmad of ADS. The study mapped 82 textile units with a combined installed solar capacity of 237 megawatts. Techno-economic modelling showed that centralised solar models could achieve renewable energy shares of up to 87% at the lowest levelised cost of electricity (LCOE), while distributed systems offered quicker payback periods.

    The study projected annual greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reductions of 1.6 to 1.76 billion kilograms of carbon dioxide, highlighting potential implications for compliance with the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Policy proposals included tiered wheeling charges, incentives for solar-plus-storage incentives, and a Green Market Stabilisation and Blended Funds to de-risk investments.

    Another study tracking MDB (Multilateral Development Bank) policies for Just Transition was presented by lead author Twangar Kazmi. The analysis compared the World Bank Group and Asian Development Bank country strategies with Pakistan’s national frameworks, including NDC 3.0 (Third Nationally Determined Contribution), the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) and the National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Policy and National Energy Mitigation and Adaptation Policies. While broad alignment was noted, the study identified gaps in metrics, reform sequencing, institutional capacity and just transition safeguards.

    A case study of the Punjab Green Development Programme (PGDP) showed only 45% alignment, underscoring the need for robust monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) systems. Recommendations included civil society-led “MDB Scorecards,” multi-stakeholder working groups and advocacy for Article 6 carbon market readiness to bridge these gaps.

    Panel discussions focused on regulatory barriers to solar adoption under the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) , including high use-of-system charges (UoSC)and legacy power purchase agreements (PPSAs). Participants also highlighted decarbonisation challenges for SMEs, including global pressures like CBAM, and industry responses through hybrid solar systems with a case study of Kohinoor.

    The second session examined Multilateral Development Banks’ (MDBs) priorities with experts praising the study’s “menu card” for civil society interventions but urged micro-level surveys and restorative justice in transitions, critiquing MDBs’ neoliberal approaches. They emphasised the burden of climate finance being delivered largely through loans rather than grants, contributing to rising debt pressures.

    Concluding the seminar, ADS CEO Amjad Nazeer said Pakistan’s energy crisis required coordinated policy action and called for a shift towards grants to avoid further debt stress. The session ended with calls for continued advocacy and greater support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the transition process.

  • Industrial sector: Rapid transition toward renewable energy, low-carbon production urged

    FAISALABAD: The climate and energy experts have warned that the country’s industrial sector must be rapidly transit toward renewable energy and low-carbon production to remain competitive in global markets, which is increasingly shaped by climate regulations.

    This call was made at the launch of three research studies on industrial de-carbonization, collectively urging policymakers and businesses to prioritise solar adoption, emissions reduction, and long-term energy planning.

    The event, hosted by Alternate Development Services (ADS) at a local hotel, brought together academics, industry representatives, civil society members, and policymakers to examine the future of energy use in Pakistan’s textile and leather sectors, two major contributors to national exports and emissions.

    Opening the session, ADS Chief Executive Amjad Nazeer said Pakistan’s industries were entering “a decisive moment” where energy choices would determine export prospects and survival in international value chains. He noted that new global carbon thresholds, shifting buyer expectations, and supply chain compliance standards were already reshaping industrial production. “Countries that act early will secure economic advantage. Those that delay will face exclusion,” he cautioned.

    The first study, presented by Dr Syed Ali Abbas Kazmi, Head of Department USPCASE NUST and Muhamad Usman bin Ahmed, Research Scholar of NUST, examined the techno-economic feasibility of off-grid solar systems for the textile sector. Their findings highlighted significant cost savings and substantial carbon reduction potential under the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) regime, which is expected to redefine Pakistan’s power market in the coming years.

    A second study, shared by Abdul Haseeb Tariq, Green and Clean Energy Officer of ADS, documented solar uptake across industrial clusters. While solarisation is growing, he noted that regulatory gaps, financial constraints, and inconsistent government support continue to hinder large-scale transition.

    The leather industry’s energy landscape was analysed by Amjad Mehdi, Advocacy Leads at ADS, whose report identified major inefficiencies, emissions hotspots, and opportunities for low-carbon interventions. With the sector increasingly scrutinised by international buyers, he warned that failure to decarbonise could directly impact Pakistan’s export access.

    A panel discussion featuring experts from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, National Textile University, NUST, and the private sector underscored the severe climate and market pressures facing local industries.

    Speakers noted that renewable energy was now being adopted less for environmental reasons and more due to direct demands from major international clients, particularly in Europe. They agreed that sustainability compliance had become non-negotiable for global procurement and that industries prioritised return on investment but would shift rapidly when buyers linked orders to clean energy adoption.

    Panelists also pointed to an emerging trend in which solar energy is being used to meet Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) criteria set by international brands. They maintained that Pakistan’s industrial resilience depends on diversifying energy sources and investing early in efficiency and renewable technologies.

    In concluding remarks, Nazeer called the three reports “blueprints for action” and urged close collaboration between government, academia, and industry to accelerate Pakistan’s energy transition. He said that without decisive planning, Pakistan risked falling behind in a global economy increasingly defined by climate compliance and low-carbon production.

    Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

  • Consultation on Food & Beverage Sector: Carbon and Methane Emissions Assessment and Prevention

    Lahore : September 11, 2025 Via Daily News Man
    Pakistan is one of the top 10 most methane emitting countries, said Dr. Sanaullah, professor Sanaullah of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. He outlined the need for adopting mitigation methods to reduce carbon emission in rice production as well as enteric fermentation emission reduction in the livestock.
    The above deliberations were made at the Food and Beverage Consultation organized by Alternate Development Services (ADS) and Lok Sujag at a local hotel in Lahore. “Carbon and Methane Emission Assessment and Prevention in the Food and Beverage Sector” on September 11, 2025. The event brought together experts from academia, industry, media, and civil society to deliberate on the hidden climate costs of the food and beverage sector and explore pathways to decarbonization.

    While sharing the corporate perspectives at the occasion, Mr. Muazzam Rehman, sustainability expert, said that emission calculation is essential at the 4 levels ie national level, organizational level, project level and product level. He suggested a practical framework of implementation starting with emissions audits, followed by target-setting, introducing renewable energy solutions, and measuring progress through transparent sustainability reporting. Complying with the Paris Climate Agreement, IPCC and GHG protocol is need of the hours, if Pakistan is committed to meet it Net Zero Target by 2050.

    Prof. Dr. Sana Ullah from the Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, discussed sustainable agricultural practices such as precision farming, renewable energy use in processing, and waste-to-energy models. He emphasized that Pakistan’s food industry has untapped potential to reduce emissions through investment in cleaner production technologies and carbon-efficient farming systems.

    Dr. Muhammad Farhan, Professor of Sustainable Development (Government College, Lahore) stressed the need for transforming our grains, cereals, groceries and fruit waste in to compost serving as manure for ornamental plants and horticulture at home and the municipal areas. However, given the seasonality and variability of Pakistan’s food production, consumption and corresponding waste causes the problems of sorting out the waste. The best way out is to educate households and the restaurants to sort it out at the source end is the well established practive in the Western countries.

    Mr. Asif Riaz, an investigative multimedia journalist from Lok Sujag, focused on “Policy Initiatives to Address Crop Residue Burning, Smog, and Diesel Emissions in the Agricultural Sector”. He explained how crop residue burning and inefficient diesel usage in food supply logistics remain critical emission hotspots………
    Prof. Dr. M. Muhammad Farhan, Associate Professor at Government College University

    explored “Barriers and Pathways in Methane Emission Reduction in the Fast Food Sector”
    Mr. Amjad Nazeer, CEO of ADS highlighted systemic barriers including weak regulatory enforcement, high reliance on fossil fuels, and a lack of sector-specific emission inventories. He stressed the need for collaboration between industry and policymakers to incentivize green technologies, build climate-smart supply chains, and ensure Pakistan remains aligned with global decarbonization commitments.
    The consultation concluded with an open floor discussion, where participants actively engaged in proposing strategies for building a nationwide campaign to decarbonize the food and beverage sector. The partiipants also stressed to encorporate food and agro-food corporates’ emission reduction targets in the ongoing NDC 3.0, report shortly to be submitted to UNFCC. Ideas ranged from integrating emission assessments into business models, mobilizing youth-led advocacy, and launching a cross-sectoral alliance to advance policy reforms.

    Closing remarks emphasized the shared responsibility of industry stakeholders, academia, policymakers, and civil society in mitigating climate impacts. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting greener practices and moving Pakistan’s food and beverage sector towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.

  • ADS Organized a Dialogue to Navigate Climate-Linked Trade Policies and Energy Transition in Pakistan’s Textile Sector

    A crucial consultation session titled “Textiles at the Crossroads: Navigating CBAM, CTBCM & Tariff Shifts” was held at the National Textile University (NTU) in Faisalabad yesterday. The dialogue, organized by Alternate Development Services (ADS), an Islamabad-based think tank, brought together key stakeholders from the textile industry, academia, and government bodies. The session addressed key issues and challenges relevant to the textile sector.

     In her welcome remarks, Dr. Hafsa Jamshed, Associate Professor, National Textile University – NTU, emphasized the importance of this dialogue in forging a unified approach to the challenges and opportunities presented by evolving global trade policies and domestic energy reforms. Dr. Muzzamil Hussain, from the same university, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the timeliness of the discussion on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Competitive Trading and Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM), stressing the urgent need for proactive measures as the window for adaptation rapidly closes.

    Amjad Nazeer, CEO, Alternate Development Services – ADS, explained the purpose of the consultation, focusing on the present situation and pathways for the industry to achieve decarbonization, net-zero emissions, and carbon neutrality. He emphasized the potential of CTBCM to incentivize a shift towards renewable energy sources, provided that regulatory hurdles such as unfair wheeling charges and stranded costs are addressed through the active engagement of all concerned parties, not solely the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).

    Khadija Zahra, Project Lead AREC at ADS, talked about the potential impact of CTBCM on the industries, outlining the strategic gains, latent risks, and the cost of delaying its proper implementation. She stressed the importance of designing CTBCM to support hybridization and advocated for formula-based, rather than administratively revised, wheeling and system charges.

    Mr. Ahsan Umar, Commercial Director, Bata Pakistan, viewed CBAM as a catalyst for innovation and decarbonization, ultimately leading to cost reduction. He highlighted its potential to prevent carbon leakage and promote global decarbonization, noting Pakistan’s significant role in global emissions and the subsequent impact of CBAM.

    Mr. Raffay Bin Rauf, Head of Compliance, Sustainability, HSE and Digital Marketing & Communications at Sapphire Finishing Mills, provided a critical industrial perspective on CBAM, particularly for export-oriented industries heavily reliant on European and US markets. He cautioned that the anticipated costs of 75-100 euros per ton of emitted CO2 under an expanded CBAM could be detrimental to SMEs. He also pointed out the challenge of limited transparency in sustainability journeys due to competitive concerns and the significant hurdle of Scope 3 emissions, where suppliers often lack awareness, technical expertise, infrastructure, and manpower.

    Mr. Bilal Jamil, Chairman Standing Committee on Council of Textile, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry – FCCI, appreciated the session, emphasizing the industry’s lack of fundamental understanding of the implications of emerging tariff regimes. He expressed skepticism towards tariffs, viewing them as potentially politically motivated, with quality considerations taking a backseat. He underscored the critical need for collaboration between textile academia and the government, particularly in strategic planning for potential opportunities, such as anticipated business from the US.

    Mr. Hazar Khan, Chairman, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association – PHMA North, shared his perspective that while policies are formulated, their effective implementation remains a significant challenge. He suggested that the current global scenario, including tariffs and geopolitical tensions, could potentially strengthen Pakistan’s position and attract more markets. However, he also highlighted Pakistan’s reactive nature and economic instability, often leading to the acceptance of imposed tariffs, and the nation’s current unpreparedness to effectively respond to tariff increases.

    The consultation session concluded with a strong call for continued dialogue and concrete actions to equip Pakistan’s textile industry with the knowledge, strategies, and policy support needed to navigate the complexities of CBAM, CTBCM, and evolving tariff landscapes, ensuring its long-term sustainability and competitiveness in the global market.

  • BZU Climate Action Summit Kicks Off With Youth-driven Policy Dialogue

    MULTAN, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 15th Apr, 2025) A two-day “BZU Climate Action Summit 2025” began today at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), aiming to engage youths in climate awareness, dialogue, and policy development within the context of Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Green Taxonomy.

    The inaugural ceremony was graced by Professor Dr. Javed Ahmed, Dean Faculty of Science, as the chief guest. Addressing the students, he said, “Tackling the climate crisis requires more than just government plans — it demands the intellectual and leadership potential of youth. Our policies must include students and vulnerable groups to build a sustainable future.”

    The event also featured Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arif Ali, Chairman Department of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, Director Institute of Agronomy, and Mr. Amjad Nazir, CEO of Alternate Development Services (ADS), Islamabad. Faculty members, researchers, and students from BZU and other universities participated in large numbers.

    Dr. Arif Goheer, NDCs Focal Person at the Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan, addressed the opening session online, highlighting national climate priorities and emphasizing the need to involve youth in policymaking.

    Dr. Muhammad Dawood, Associate Professor and Summit Focal Person, explained that the summit provides a unique opportunity for students to explore practical aspects of climate policy development.

    Key activities on day one included a National Climate Policy Dialogue Simulation where students assumed roles such as farmers, affected communities, environmentalists, industrialists, women representatives, human rights activists, and policymakers to present their views and recommendations.

    Later, a model session of the UN Climate Assembly was held, where students represented countries including the USA, China, Pakistan, EU, African Union, India, Saudi Arabia, and SIDS, delivering well-researched speeches on global climate policy.

    The summit is jointly organized by the Department of Environmental Sciences, Department of Agricultural Engineering, and Institute of Agronomy, in collaboration with Alternate Development Services (ADS), Islamabad.

    Day two of the summit (April 16) will feature a documentary competition, student-expert interaction, and a prize and certificate distribution ceremony.

    Published at Urdu Point

  • Join ADS at BZU Multan – Climate Action Summit 2025

    Alternate Development Services (ADS), in collaboration with Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) Multan, is pleased to invite you to the Climate Action Summit 2025, a two-day event marking 50 Years of BZU Multan.

    Dates: 15th–16th April 2025.
    Time: 09:30 AM – 03:30 PM.
    Venue: Auditorium, Political Science Department, BZU Multan.

    This summit aims to engage students, academics, policymakers, and practitioners in meaningful dialogue and action toward climate resilience. Grounded in Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Green Taxonomy framework, the summit will explore pathways to sustainability and a low-carbon economy.

    Key Program Highlights include:

    1. Expert Panel Discussions: Topics include Climate Policy, Energy Transition, Climate Finance, Green Taxonomy, NDC 3.0, and National Adaptation Plans.
    2. Student-Led Policy Dialogue: Voices from farmers, industrialists, policymakers, journalists, human rights activists, and climate victims.
    3. UN General Assembly Simulation: Student delegates engage in global climate negotiations and country-level debates.
    4. Documentary Competition: Themes cover Climate Policy, Energy Transition, Climate Finance, Green Taxonomy, NDCs, and National Adaptation Plans.
    5. Networking & Culmination of Deliberations: A chance for students to connect with experts and policymakers for meaningful engagement.
    Environmental Sciences BZU Multan 3.0 10 Apr 25 · 09·50·26Download