AGP Executive Report

Budget 2026-27: Pakistan unveiled an Rs18.77tr federal budget, with defence set at Rs3tr and debt servicing at Rs8.054tr, while growth is targeted at 4% and inflation at 8.2% under IMF pressure. Political pushback: PTI rejected the plan as “elite self-preservation,” arguing ordinary people got little relief. Solar relief: The government kept sales tax on solar panels unchanged for 2026-27, a win for households and the fast-growing solar sector. Climate & disaster watch: ICIMOD warned that even with below-normal monsoon rainfall in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, short bursts of intense rain can still trigger flash floods and landslides, with drought and flood risks rising together. Heat risk: NDMA cautioned that 2027 could be among the hottest years on record, as extreme heat measures remain in focus. Water-energy geopolitics: With US-Iran tensions flaring around the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan’s diplomacy is again tied to energy price swings and regional stability. Health accountability: World Health Assembly side events pushed stronger systems to eliminate cervical cancer, stressing HPV vaccination, screening access, and accountability.

Budget 2026-27: Pakistan is set to present its FY2026-27 federal budget today, with an estimated Rs17.5tr outlay and a tax target of Rs15.267tr, while debt servicing is pegged at Rs7.824tr and defence at Rs3tr. Climate & disasters: The Economic Survey warns Pakistan remains on the frontline of the climate crisis, citing 2025 floods causing Rs822bn damage, 1,039 deaths and over 4m displaced, alongside record heat and shifting monsoon patterns. Women & climate risk: A UN-backed message highlights women and girls face the greatest climate risks, with extreme weather deaths and displacement hitting them far more than men. Health gaps: Pakistan trails South Asia on key health indicators, with health spending under 1% of GDP and worse maternal and infant mortality plus undernutrition and stunting. Water stress: The Survey flags shrinking water availability (below 1,000 cubic meters per person) and rising pressure on irrigation and river flows. Energy shift: Installed power capacity rose to 49,651MW, with hydel, renewables and nuclear together overtaking thermal for the first time. Child labour push: President Zardari and PM Shehbaz renewed calls to end child labour and protect children’s education and safety. Wildlife & pollution: Punjab moves to protect Indus dolphins via a sanctuary, while flamingos at Rawal Lake have drawn fresh alarm after killings.

Biodiversity Protection: Punjab has declared the Punjnad–Indus River stretch a wildlife sanctuary to protect the endangered Indus River dolphin, strengthening habitat safeguards along the river from Jambar-Bait Landi Patafi to Guddu Barrage. Extreme Heat & Wildlife: A new global early warning system can forecast which animal species face record heat exposure months ahead, giving conservation teams a faster way to respond to heatwaves. Weather & Flood Risk: PMD and NDMA warn of thunderstorms, hail and strong winds across Punjab, KP, GB and parts of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, with flash-flood and landslide risks in vulnerable areas. Economy & Climate Pressure: Pakistan’s Economic Survey says GDP grew 3.7% in FY2025-26, but the same report highlights how floods and regional shocks still weigh on recovery—while women face outsized climate risks and displacement. Water Security: Pakistan warned India that blocking Indus waters would be treated as an “act of war,” after Indian statements on stopping flows. Transport Reform: PM Shehbaz approved a strategic roadmap to reform Pakistan Railways, including digitisation, governance upgrades and private-sector participation.

Heat & storms: Karachi’s “feels-like” temperature hit 54°C as Sindh baked, while PMD/Met forecasts dust, windstorms, rain and thunderstorms across Punjab, KP and parts of Kashmir/Gilgit-Baltistan from June 11–13, with urban flooding and hail risks flagged. Forest protection (court order): Peshawar High Court gave the provincial government three months to restore Galiyat forest boundaries by Sept 16, after complaints about disputed land and environmental damage. Wildlife crime: Two people were booked for allegedly poaching flamingos at Rawal Lake, a rare seasonal sighting. Environment & industry rules: Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi bench sought explanations over delays in revised ethanol/distillery environmental standards and granted interim relief to Murree Brewery in a PEQS challenge. Water security & climate risk: A new HKH monsoon outlook warns below-average rainfall but high disaster risk from short, intense downpours; another analysis highlights “cooling poverty” as heat becomes deadly. Energy transition: A forum says renewables can protect Asia from oil shocks; Pakistan also moves on EV policy fine-tuning and a deep conversion refinery plan in Hub. Livestock & biodiversity: Pakistan-China signed an MTA for buffalo genetic resources exports; capacity-building on Indus River dolphin conservation was also reported. Public health: Punjab reported a sharp drop in poliovirus circulation but warned vigilance is still needed through the high transmission season.

Severe Weather Watch: PMD warns dust storms, strong winds, rain and thunderstorms across Pakistan from June 11–13, with hail risk and possible urban flooding/landslides in low-lying and hilly areas, including Islamabad, Lahore, KP, GB and AJK. Heat Stress: Karachi’s heat index hit about 49°C as a heatwave warning stays in place, with officials urging people to avoid peak sun and protect vulnerable groups. Climate Signals: NOAA and NASA/Copernicus say May 2026 was the world’s second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 ranks among the four warmest years. Water & Wildlife: WWF flags a sharp decline in Gilgit-Baltistan trout—driven by climate-linked flash floods, habitat loss, pollution, hydropower impacts and overfishing. Transport Emissions Policy: Pakistan is considering a carbon levy on large vehicles (over 2,000cc) plus EV incentives in Budget 2026–27. Global Risk: A study warns even a small India-Pakistan nuclear exchange could severely damage the ozone layer, worsening long-term recovery.

Wildlife & Forest Fire: A wildfire swept through Saleem Bagh forest in Mansehra, spreading fast through dry grass and pine needles before teams contained it—officials warned that careless fire-setting can wipe out trees, herbs, shrubs and wildlife. Heat & Disaster Risk: Experts warn Pakistan still faces high disaster risk even with a below-normal monsoon outlook, as short bursts of intense rain can trigger flash floods and landslides while heat stress and water stress rise. Air Pollution Across Borders: A report highlights how India’s emissions and transboundary pollution are worsening environmental safety for Pakistan and other South Asian neighbours, despite Pakistan’s much smaller CO2 share. Climate Cooperation: The UK–Pakistan Green Compact (£35m) is moving ahead, with plans for a Green University and a Green Tech Hub to back green tech entrepreneurs. Urban Environment & Planning: Punjab approved “One Map Punjab” to digitise land and infrastructure data province-wide, aiming to improve planning and reduce duplication. Health & Prevention: A new School of Pharmaceutical Sciences was inaugurated, with a push to shift health focus from treatment to prevention.

Heat Risk: Karachi braces for a severe heatwave with temperatures expected to hit 41–43°C (feels like up to 50°C) over June 10–12, urging hydration and limiting midday exposure. Digital Land Governance: Punjab is rolling out “One Map Punjab” to unify land and geographic data on a single platform, aiming to cut duplication and spot utility and project bottlenecks. Agriculture & Food Security: PM Shehbaz met agriculture stakeholders ahead of the 2026–27 budget, discussing reforms and productivity, including support for seeds policy and modernising PARC with Chinese collaboration. Marine & Climate Concerns: Pakistan renewed calls for urgent action to protect marine resources and ocean ecosystems as climate pressures intensify. Policy & Compliance: FIA set up FATF desks across all zones to strengthen money-laundering and terrorism-financing investigations ahead of Pakistan’s next evaluation. Regional Security: Pakistan and Lebanon’s army chiefs met as mediation continues amid Lebanon conflict spillovers.

Heat & health: Pakistan’s NIH issued a heatstroke advisory urging people to avoid direct sun, rehydrate, wear light clothing and hats, and take preventive steps as global warming drives harsher heat. Wildlife & pollution: Islamabad’s Rawal Lake flamingos were reportedly hunted by poachers with locals’ help, an “ecological tragedy” now under investigation; meanwhile the Lahore High Court ordered province-wide action against illegal waste dumping and sought reports on waste burning. Urban environment governance: CDA’s board approved, in principle, three new agencies (Solid Waste, Parks & Horticulture, and Islamabad Water) plus a PMU for the Environment Wing to improve service delivery. Climate risk in cities: A study ranks Faisalabad and Hyderabad among the world’s most heat-vulnerable cities, warning of heatstroke, fires and drought impacts. Budget backdrop: Pre-budget talks push for broader tax base, more climate and social protection funding, and job creation—while uncertainty over the federal budget schedule continues after NEC delays. Transport transition: DPM Ishaq Dar reviewed auto policy to accelerate EV adoption and support a more sustainable automotive ecosystem.

AI & Environment: A new UN report warns AI’s data centres could consume 9.3tn litres of water and use electricity on a country scale by 2030, pushing carbon, water and land impacts far beyond what most people track. Heat & Public Health: Pakistan’s NIH issued a heatstroke prevention advisory, urging hydration, shade and light clothing as extreme heat risks rise. Local Climate Reality Check: A fact-check says Naran’s May temperature did not hit 30°C; the PMD’s station recorded a max of 27.2°C on May 19. Urban Heat Risk: Oxford research flags Pakistan and other countries as home to many of the world’s most heat-vulnerable cities, where high heat meets limited coping capacity. Coastal Conservation: BankIslami and WWF Pakistan marked World Environment Day with mangrove planting and beach cleanups to protect marine biodiversity. Governance & Environment: An Express Tribune report says Pakistan’s ecological stresses are colliding with population growth, weak governance and outdated infrastructure—turning climate risk into a survival and public health threat. Energy Transition: PM Shehbaz urged restraint amid Middle East tensions, while Pakistan’s auto policy review focused on accelerating EV adoption for cleaner transport.

World Oceans Day: Pakistan’s naval chief urged urgent global action to protect marine life as World Oceans Day is observed today, warning that pollution, overfishing, habitat loss and climate change are damaging blue ecosystems. Heat & Flood Preparedness: NDMA issued warnings of intense heat in southern provinces, plus rain, thunderstorms, and higher risks of landslides and flash floods in northern areas, urging agencies and the public to follow safety guidance. Karachi Monsoon Readiness: KMC announced a citywide drain cleaning drive, allocating Rs600m and planning third-party monitoring to reduce urban flooding risks ahead of rains. Food Safety & Nutrition: Sindh leaders reaffirmed safe, healthy food as a right on World Food Safety Day, while health experts pushed for a steep 40% tax on sugary drinks to fund nutrition reforms. Solar Policy Pushback: Solar groups in Lahore warned against raising sales tax on solar equipment to 18%, saying it would hurt clean energy adoption and energy affordability. Wildlife Crime Alert: A new report says illegal wildlife trade in the Hindu Kush Himalaya has more than doubled since 2019, threatening biodiversity across the region. Climate Mental Health: Experts linked climate extremes to rising anxiety, depression and trauma among mothers and children in Pakistan. Circular Economy Angle: A global spotlight on electronics buyback models highlights repair-and-reuse and recycling as e-waste grows.

Monsoon & urban drainage: Karachi’s KMC has approved Rs600m for cleaning major drainage channels ahead of monsoon season, with tenders starting Monday and district-wise allocations to prevent urban flooding. Food safety push: PM Shehbaz and President Zardari marked World Food Safety Day, calling for safer, nutritious food and better food-handling practices across the food chain. Cleaner Punjab: Punjab EPA DG says the CM’s “cleaner, greener” agenda is improving air quality via monitoring, enforcement, and brick-kiln conversion to cut emissions, alongside sanitation drives. Marine protection: Pak Navy’s World Oceans Day message highlights coastal/sea cleanups and awareness to reduce pollution and safeguard Arabian Sea ecosystems. Education & tech for sustainability: University of Rasul gets a preliminary accreditation nod from Pakistan’s National Technology Council for engineering technology programs aligned with outcome-based education. Local politics with AJK stakes: PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto says he will meet PM Shehbaz to address rising tensions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir amid the JAAC crackdown and upcoming protests. GB election update: Vote counting began after Gilgit-Baltistan polling, with PPP raising concerns over non-issuance of Form 45.

World Food Safety Day: President Asif Ali Zardari urged stakeholders to promote safe food practices and strengthen compliance across the food chain, linking food safety to public health, food security and sustainable development. Heatwave Alert: Pakistan’s Met Office warned heatwave conditions may hit from June 7–12, with southern Sindh temperatures possibly reaching 50°C. Climate Risk & Water: A warning on El Niño’s likely impact comes as Pakistan faces drought stress and flood recovery concerns, with experts urging action before planting windows close. Karachi Mangroves Push: KMC plans a Mangrove & Biodiversity Park and Learning Centre at China Creek to boost coastal protection, biodiversity and eco-tourism. Urban Pollution Warning: Experts warned major cities are heading toward an ecological disaster due to green-space loss, untreated industrial effluents and weak enforcement. Monsoon Preparedness: Punjab stepped up monsoon readiness with Lahore flood contingency plans, dewatering equipment on standby, and glacier-melt hazard monitoring. Water Storage Funding Gap: Reports say water and hydropower projects may get only Rs179bn in PSDP 2026-27, far below calls for Rs500bn. Foodborne Health Threat: A medical commentary flags rising typhoid resistance driven by years of antibiotic misuse and weak controls.

Flood Preparedness in Punjab & North: Punjab authorities stepped up monsoon readiness, issuing flood and safety alerts, reviewing drainage and embankment plans in Lahore, and warning of glacier-melt hazards in Murree and Gilgit-Baltistan. River Pollution Crisis: A report says contamination is spreading across the Ravi, Sutlej, Kabul, Swat and the lower Indus, pointing to weak enforcement and worsening impacts on drinking water, farms, fisheries and public health. Himalayan Climate Alarm: Nepal’s Islamabad embassy marked Sagarmatha Day, linking glacier melt and environmental degradation to climate change and calling for stronger international cooperation, while highlighting “Cash for Trash” and sustainable tourism plans. Budget 2026–27 Tax Moves: FBR is considering mandatory printed retail prices on essentials and a possible doubling of the Climate Support Levy on fuel, alongside ending some tax exemptions for former tribal areas. Digital Infrastructure Push: QGDC and Huawei announced a $230m plan for Pakistan’s largest Tier III data centre and a tech park, aiming to boost data sovereignty and AI-ready services. Labour & Investment Signals: Pakistan’s interior and foreign leadership discussed security and Iran talks, while the government reiterated plans for a transparent, business-friendly environment to attract investment. Security Pressure in AJK: Police arrested about 72 people linked to JAAC after the group was banned ahead of a planned protest. Environment & AI Warning: A UN-linked report warns AI’s water and land footprint could surge by 2030, raising new climate and resource concerns.

World Environment Day & clean energy: Pakistan’s first consumer-focused One-Stop-Shop (OSS) for clean energy solutions (sabzbijli.pk) was launched in Islamabad to help households and small businesses move to solar and renewables with trusted guidance. Punjab environment push: Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz urged people to plant more trees, keep natural resources safe, and continue action against plastic pollution, with an Environment Observatory project and air-quality alerts in progress. Green transport in Sindh: Sindh approved 100 more electric buses for public transport, aiming to cut emissions and pollution while improving urban mobility. Climate finance needs: A Pakistan climate workshop said the country needs about $565.7bn in climate-related investment by 2035 to meet updated targets and build resilience. Water & climate reality checks: A fact check on Gilgit-Baltistan’s Attabad Lake says it isn’t “drying up” so much as silt and sedimentation shrinking visible water. Governance & pollution control: Transparency International Pakistan flagged high corruption risk in infrastructure planning and implementation, warning governance gaps can undermine delivery. Local economy & sustainability: Punjab and Primark discussed cooperation to boost quality cotton production in the province.

Severe Weather Watch: NDMA has issued alerts for thunderstorms, heavy rain, hailstorms and possible landslides/flash floods across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK, urging extra caution in vulnerable northern districts. Heat Risk for Cities: A new study warns Lahore and Faisalabad could become among the world’s hottest cities by 2050 as El Niño boosts heat stress, with urban heat islands and reduced rainfall adding pressure. AI and the Environment: A UN report flags AI’s growing water, energy and land footprint, warning data centres could sharply raise electricity demand by 2030. Water and Climate Tensions: Coverage highlights how regional water disputes and dam impacts are tied to flood-control and power concerns, keeping Pakistan’s water security in focus. Local Policy Moves: Pakistan introduced a fixed 1% tax scheme for small retailers (up to Rs200m turnover) to broaden the tax net, while SBP’s Eid-ul-Azha “Go Cashless” push reported Rs34bn in digital transactions. Public Health & Safety: Karachi faces rising child road-injury risks as urban planning and enforcement lag behind fast growth.

World Environment Day Climate Push: President Zardari and PM Shehbaz used World Environment Day to warn that climate change is already hitting public health, food security and the economy, calling for stronger national and global action. Punjab Anti-Pollution Drive: CM Maryam Nawaz reiterated steps to cut plastic, expand tree planting and tighten anti-smog enforcement, citing improved air quality and a Punjab “environment observatory” early-warning push. Karachi Heat & Health Risk: A Karachi expert warned that urban heat is worsening due to dense construction, traffic, pollution and tree loss, raising risks for outdoor workers and public health. Karachi Offal Stench After Eid: More than a week after Eidul Azha, residents reported lingering foul smell from unattended animal waste and poor cleanup, especially near collection points. Rawal Lake Hazardous Waste: Pak-EPA found medical waste, syringes and plastics during a shoreline cleanup, highlighting risks to ecosystems and public health. Agri Storage Financing: Finance Ministry launched an Rs7.1bn agri-storage portfolio facility to mobilise private capital for silos and cold storage, aiming to cut post-harvest losses. Weather Outlook: PMD warned of a hotter, largely drier June-to-August with El Niño strengthening, raising concerns for crops and irrigation demand. Punjab Flood Preparedness Budget: Punjab proposed Rs52bn for the Board of Revenue budget, including disaster risk reduction and flood prevention projects. AI’s Environmental Cost: A new study says AI’s data-centre footprint is expanding fast, with major water and land impacts alongside emissions.