AGP Executive Report

Climate Risk Watch: A new report ranks Pakistani cities among the world’s least resilient to climate risk, with Hyderabad, Multan, Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi flagged for high heat exposure and weaker adaptation capacity. Marine Conservation: Pakistan unveiled its first 10-year national shark conservation plan, targeting illegal finning and bycatch, protecting habitats and improving fisheries management through a phased roadmap to 2035. Clean Air Pressure: A commentary warns Pakistan’s air pollution problem is shifting from seasonal inconvenience to a recurring public-health emergency, urging real enforcement ahead of the smog season. Flood Preparedness: Planning officials directed early, proactive preparations for Monsoon 2027, stressing that last-minute responses cost more and deliver less. Green Policing: PM Shehbaz handed Islamabad Police 50 electric vehicles to modernise patrols and cut emissions. Business & Environment Link: PM Shehbaz met industrialists to push export-led growth, while Punjab’s Bank of Punjab secured a Rs30bn equity injection to expand banking capacity.

Climate & Air Quality: Punjab has launched a real-time air quality dashboard, expanding monitoring from 3 stations (2024) to 59 now, with plans for 100—aimed at spotting pollution hotspots and enforcing anti-smog action. Urban Climate Risk: A new report ranks Hyderabad, Multan, Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi among the world’s least resilient cities to climate disasters, highlighting a gap between hazard exposure and city adaptation. Smog Enforcement: Punjab’s C&W minister ordered strict anti-smog SOPs at construction sites, including regular water sprinkling to curb dust emissions. Space for Climate: SUPARCO is hosting a regional Space4Climate symposium focused on coastal dynamics, mangroves, sea-water intrusion, drought/heatwave hazards, waterways and crop monitoring. Flood Resilience Context: Pakistan’s cities’ low resilience comes as global weather warnings intensify—El Niño is nearing extreme strength, raising risks of heat, flooding and drought. Human Rights & Communities: UN experts again warned about discrimination and violence against Pakistan’s Ahmadiyya community, urging protection and accountability. Maritime Safety: Karachi police briefly detained protesters seeking action on the release of sailors held by Somali pirates for nearly 140 days.

Flood Resilience in Sindh: Japan has signed a $16.4m grant with Pakistan to strengthen Indus flood protection in Sindh, including upgrades to the Old Abad Bund in Larkana, aiming to cut risks for flood-prone communities. Climate Volatility on the Ground: Pakistan is facing fresh weather whiplash, with forecasts for flooding in Punjab cities and cloudbursts in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer and Hunza—another reminder that drainage and flood-defence systems are struggling with today’s extremes. Water & Pollution Link: A new study finds irrigation water can deliver large amounts of nitrogen to croplands—around 13% of global synthetic fertiliser—meaning “hidden” nutrient inputs could raise costs and pollution unless farmers plan better. Biodiversity & Wildlife Push: Punjab is stepping up wildlife protection efforts, including campaigns to curb threats and improve conservation outcomes. Governance for Risk Reduction: Islamabad’s proposed shift toward a provincial-style model (elected assembly and a chief executive) is back in the spotlight, with environmental and municipal powers among the areas discussed.

Clean Air as an Economic Choice: Pakistan marked the International Day of Clean Air with a push to treat pollution as a year-round public health and financial risk, urging policies to become legally enforceable and financeable. GSP+ Pressure: EU officials warned Pakistan that Generalised Scheme of Preferences benefits “can’t be taken for granted” as reapplication nears and requirements tighten. Flood Response & Climate Risk: Pakistan delivered 100 tons of relief to Nepal after deadly floods and landslides, while reporting from China’s Gyirong Port highlighted fast recovery but also the hard monitoring challenges of cross-border hazards. Punjab Wildlife Crackdown: Wildlife rangers in Punjab arrested 12 illegal hunters tied to poaching of cranes, flamingos, quail, doves and other species, seizing nets and imposing fines. Islamabad Governance Overhaul: A draft submitted to PM Shehbaz proposes a 27-member elected Islamabad assembly, an elected chief executive, and more autonomy for environment and municipal services. Pakistan Cricket Fallout: PCB expanded scrutiny into Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan after England tour turmoil, including reports of phone data being sought.

Nepal Flood Fallout: Pakistan dispatched 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Nepal after deadly floods and landslides, with NDMA coordinating tents, blankets, hygiene kits and medicines flown from Islamabad to Kathmandu as the death toll climbed past 1,300 and thousands remain missing. Climate Risk in the Himalayas: Reports from the Nepal–China border highlight how glacial and mountain collapses are turning into fast-moving disasters, while displaced mothers in camps struggle with privacy, safe feeding and basic child services. Pakistan’s Water Security Angle: Commentary on the Indus Waters Treaty argues it can’t be “insulated” from changed security realities, keeping the spotlight on how conflict and infrastructure plans intertwine with water sharing. Islamabad Governance Reform: A draft plan would reshape the capital with a 27-member elected assembly, reserved seats, and an elected chief executive—shifting ICT toward a more provincial-style setup. Urban Greening: CDA launched a tree plantation drive across Islamabad to cut air pollution and build greener corridors along major roads and interchanges. Karachi Transport Debate: Rights groups challenged the Karachi Port–Qayyumabad freight corridor, demanding independent reviews of environmental and social impacts before approval. Air Quality Push (Punjab): Anti-smog enforcement is being intensified ahead of winter, including crackdowns on smoke-emitting vehicles. Wildlife Conservation (Punjab): Officials claim major wildlife gains and call for stronger protection measures across the province. Energy Transition (Industry): Canada’s MRA Solutions commissioned a 2 MW solar project for Servis in Gujrat to reduce reliance on conventional power and lower emissions. Regional Security Talks: Egypt and Pakistan urged a return to the US-Iran Islamabad MoU as maritime clashes escalate, while Qatar prepares talks with China focused on de-escalation and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Defence & Martyrs’ Day: President Zardari and PM Shehbaz, with top military leadership, paid tribute to 1965 martyrs and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve on national security and sovereignty. Climate & disasters: Reports highlight how Nepal’s Nepal-Tibet floods and glacier-linked hazards are a warning for South Asia, with hydropower projects facing rising climate risk. Water & environment: A new push to resolve Pakistan’s net-metering backlog cleared 11,695 pending solar cases, with direct consumer contact to cut middlemen. Punjab environment enforcement: Punjab stepped up anti-smog and pollution crackdowns, including action against smoke-emitting vehicles. Women & land: A survey finds only about 2% of women in Pakistan own land, underscoring major gaps in economic empowerment as climate risks intensify. Child protection tech: Punjab’s Safe Cities Authority activated an AI system to flag possible child labour and children out of school during hours. Energy transition: Coverage also flags Pakistan’s above-average September temperatures and the need for stronger heat action planning.

Disaster Risk & Climate: Nepal’s glacier-triggered floods and landslides keep unfolding, with reports of deaths crossing 1,200+ and thousands missing—another warning that warming Himalayas are making extreme mountain events more frequent and more deadly. Water & Ecosystems: A new focus on the Indus Delta’s collapse says seawater intrusion is swallowing farmland, salinity is rising, fish stocks are falling, and villages are being abandoned—yet the response is still treated like a provincial issue. Public Safety: Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has made fire safety training mandatory for house officers after the PIMS Islamabad nursery fire that killed 14 newborn babies, with practical drills, hazard checks, and patient evacuation training. Governance & Local Power: A fresh push for district-level economic development and stronger local governments is gaining traction, alongside renewed debate over creating new provinces and devolving funds. Economy & Tax: The government cut the “super tax” rate from 10% to 8% for higher-earning businesses, aiming to ease pressure on growth-driving sectors. Security Narrative: Defence Day statements and commentary continue to frame regional threats and stability concerns, including warnings about how new defence accords could shape risk-taking.

Monsoon Watch: PMD/FFD say heavy rain, thunderstorms and downpours are likely to keep hitting Pakistan’s upper regions through Sept 5, with possible urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and parts of Punjab, plus rising river flows in the Indus system. Wildlife Protection (Punjab): CM Maryam Nawaz orders a province-wide wildlife drive, citing rescues, wildlife protected areas, and AI-based thermal drone surveys for the Punjnad Indus dolphin; officials also report major conservation gains. Flood Risk Management (Lahore): Punjab’s Irrigation Department removes encroachments from key flood drains in Lahore and Kasur to keep drainage clear during ongoing rains. Child Safety Online (UNICEF): A UNICEF-led study estimates 1.5m Pakistani children (ages 12–17) faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year—about 1 in 16. Health Alert (Rawalpindi): Over 150 people in Losar fell ill with diarrhoea linked to contaminated drinking water and poor hygiene; authorities say the situation is under control. Climate & Disaster Readiness (GB): Gilgit-Baltistan’s CM flags weak cellular connectivity as a barrier to glacier monitoring and rescue work, urging better satellite-linked communications. Sustainable Transport (KP): KP plans its first comprehensive transport policy for 2026 after a stakeholder consultative session.

Extreme Weather & Displacement: A new global report says climate-driven floods, droughts and cyclones forced 29.9 million people to move within their own countries in 2025, up 13% from the prior decade—highlighting how Pakistan is among the regions hit by river floods and irregular monsoons. Monsoon Risk in Pakistan: PMD warns more rain with strong winds and thunderstorms across Islamabad/Rawalpindi and upper-central Punjab, with heavy downpours raising urban flooding risks in low-lying areas and flash-flood danger in nullahs like Nullah Lai, plus landslide risk in hilly northern areas. Nepal Flood Aftermath: Search and rescue continues on the 10th day after the Bhotekoshi flash flood, with death toll reported around 1,294 and thousands still missing as tunnel rescues revive hopes. Local Flood Lessons (Nullah Lai): A detailed look at Nullah Lai traces how encroachment and dumping squeezed a natural drainage system, turning monsoon runoff into disaster risk. Pakistan Climate-Linked Agriculture Data: A piece on Pakistan’s Land Information and Management System (LIMS) argues data-driven farming can help manage soil and water variability at scale. Circular Economy Push: The Asia-Pacific Circular Cities Declaration expands to 43 cities, launching an action plan to shift cities toward circular models. Local Business Visibility: TechDigital Labs expands Local SEO services in Sialkot, aiming to help firms get found in “near me” searches. Karachi Art Call: Karachi Biennale opens submissions for the EBM Emerging Artist Prize, inviting Pakistani artists (35 and under) to propose site-specific work.

Himalayan climate risk: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi disaster is being framed as a warning of rising Himalayan climate dangers, with Pakistan-linked diplomacy in Kathmandu calling for climate justice, early-warning systems, and disaster-resilient rebuilding. Monsoon watch (Islamabad/Rawalpindi): PMD forecasts more rain and thunderstorms on Sept 4-5, with isolated heavy falls that could trigger urban flooding and flash floods in low-lying areas and nullahs. Nepal flood relief surge: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang donates $10m to Nepal’s PM disaster fund as Nepal’s death toll climbs and thousands remain missing. Pakistan flood preparedness: Rawalpindi issues a rain emergency, bars children from going out during heavy downpours, and flags gaps like uncovered manholes and missing drain protection. Air pollution crackdown (Karachi): SEPA launches a month-long vehicular emission control drive, targeting smoke-emitting vehicles with inspections, stickers, and possible removal from roads. Water security push: WAPDA fast-tracks Mohmand Dam work, citing flood mitigation and clean hydropower benefits. Environment + industry: Rs12bn Gadani shipbreaking yard overhaul begins to modernize facilities and align with safer, more environmentally responsible recycling standards. Wildlife update (Lahore): Lahore Zoo adds 29 animals across five species, boosting biodiversity on-site.

Flood Watch (72 hours): NDMA has issued a 72-hour alert for heavy rain and potential flash flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning of landslides and debris flows; vulnerable districts include Gilgit, Diamer, Hunza, Astore, Skardu, Bagh, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Haveli and Chitral/Swat/Dir, with urban flooding risks also flagged for Nowshera, Peshawar, Swabi and Mardan. Monsoon Impacts (Punjab): PMD says significant monsoon rains with heavy falls are likely in Lahore and parts of Punjab, with possible urban flooding and flash floods in local nullahs/streams. Nepal Flood Solidarity: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Nepal’s embassy in Islamabad, signed the condolence book, and pledged emergency relief assistance to support rescue and relief after the Himalayan flash floods. Wildlife in Islamabad: Panic spread in Gulberg Greens after a Bengal tiger and two cubs were spotted; authorities conducted a search and reported no evidence found, while monitoring continued. Lahore Zoo Update: Lahore Zoo added 29 animals across five species, including zebras and Arabian oryx. Sustainable Finance: PSX partnered with the UK’s MOBILIST to mobilise private investment for climate transition and sustainable development projects.

Himalayan Climate Justice: Nepal’s foreign minister says the Aug 26 Nepal-China floods should be treated as “climate compensation,” not charity, as the death toll rises to 1,225 and nearly 4,757 remain missing. Disaster Risk in Pakistan: NDMA issues a flood alert for Gilgit-Baltistan, KP and Azad Kashmir, warning of glacial lake outburst floods and landslides amid monsoon rains and rising temperatures. Smog Push in Punjab: EPA Punjab ramps up pre-smog enforcement—crackdowns on smoke-emitting vehicles, tighter checks on heavy transport, and anti-dust measures like wet sweeping and covered hauling. Air Quality Alerts: PMD forecasts rain, wind and thunderstorms across upper regions including Islamabad/Rawalpindi, with urban flooding and landslide risks flagged. Environment + Industry Upgrade: Work starts on a Rs12bn overhaul of Gadani shipbreaking yard to meet international safety and environmental standards. Pakistan Finance (Indirect Impact): Pakistan raises a record $3bn via dual-tranche Eurobond as demand nears $6bn, signaling renewed investor confidence.

Himalayan Climate Disaster: Nepal-Tibet flash floods linked to ice-rock avalanches and cascading hazards have pushed the death toll to about 1,220–1,243, with nearly 4,700 missing (including hundreds of foreigners), while China restored access to the Gyirong Port area and rescue teams keep searching tunnels and hydropower sites. Pakistan Flood Readiness: PMD and PDMA warn of heavy rain, thunderstorms, urban flooding and landslides across Islamabad/Rawalpindi, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and parts of Punjab from Sept 3–6, urging citizens and administrations to prepare. Water & Law: Pakistan welcomed a Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling reaffirming the Indus Waters Treaty remains fully in force and urged India to return to full compliance, warning treaty breaches could have wider regional consequences. Sanitation Workers Safety: Punjab lawmakers tabled a bill to protect sanitation workers’ dignity, safety and welfare after multiple deaths from toxic gases and unsafe manhole work. Local Governance: Federal cabinet approved a new Islamabad local government system dividing the capital into three councils with mayors and representation for women and minorities. Energy Costs: OGRA notified another petrol and high-speed diesel price increase in Pakistan. Nutrition Push: A two-day international conference on malnutrition and stunting began in Islamabad, highlighting stunting affecting over 40% of children under five.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders adopted the Bishkek Declaration, pushing deeper cooperation on security, trade, technology and sustainable development, while again flagging concerns over terrorism and drugs spreading from Afghanistan. Water Security: PM Shehbaz Sharif used the SCO platform to warn that water must never be weaponised, tying regional stability to the Indus system. Punjab Anti-Pollution Push: Punjab announced tougher action against smoky vehicles and open burning, plus support for farmers to cut crop-residue burning using super seeders and harvest-waste machinery. Flood & Landslide Alerts: NDMA issued monsoon-linked alerts for Gilgit-Baltistan, KP and Azad Kashmir, warning of glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods and landslides. Indus River Low Flooding: Low-level flooding persists at Tarbela and Kalabagh on the Indus; PDMA urged people to avoid waterways. Pakistan Navy Readiness: SEASPARK-26 began in Karachi to test multi-domain maritime preparedness, including air, land, cyber and information operations. Pakistan–Kyrgyzstan Deals: Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan signed accords spanning trade, education, environment and climate change, with PM Shehbaz targeting $200m trade in two years. Cybersecurity Pact: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a cybersecurity MoU to share skills and strengthen defenses against cyber threats.

Himalayan Climate Risk: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi disaster response is turning international, with tunnel-rescue teams, drones and forensic support as the death toll tops 1,000 and thousands remain missing—another warning that glacier-linked hazards are escalating. Regional Climate Policy: HKH parliamentarians from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan urged stronger cross-border action as melting glaciers and rising disaster risks threaten water, food and energy security for over two billion people. Water Diplomacy: At the SCO summit, PM Shehbaz Sharif repeated Pakistan’s red line that water must never be weaponised, tying it to the Indus Waters Treaty after the PCA ruling kept the treaty in force. Pakistan Flood Watch: Monsoon rains hit Islamabad and Rawalpindi hard, with urban flooding and school closures; NDMA/PMD also issued landslide and flash-flood alerts for northern areas. Wildlife Protection: Hunters were urged to follow rules as migratory bird hunting season opens, with emphasis on protecting authorised species and avoiding protected areas. Child Digital Safety: Punjab Assembly passed a resolution to ban social media accounts for under-16s, calling for PTA age-verification and stronger platform safeguards.

Urban Flooding Response: Torrential rain hit Islamabad and Rawalpindi, pushing water levels in Nullah Lai to dangerous heights and triggering evacuation alerts, school closures, and emergency deployment of WASA, Rescue 1122 and heavy machinery across low-lying areas. Climate & Disaster Risk: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi disaster recovery is turning international, with Nepal seeking tunnel-rescue, forensic support, drones and relief equipment as the death toll rises and thousands remain unaccounted for—another reminder of how fast hazards escalate in the Himalayas. Clean Transport Push (Sindh): Sindh extended electric vehicle tax and registration concessions for two more years, keeping low registration fees and annual taxes for non-commercial EVs to cut emissions and improve urban air quality. Air & Waste Enforcement (Lahore): EPA Lahore sealed two industrial units for burning garbage and emitting smoke, warning against toxic fumes and illegal waste practices. Water Conservation (Lahore): PHA Lahore and WWF plan recharge wells, urban forestry and water recycling projects to boost groundwater and reduce pollution. Green Skills & Energy Efficiency: IFC visited UET Peshawar’s Buildings Energy Research Centre to expand collaboration on green building education and sustainable development. Regional Diplomacy (SCO): The SCO 25th anniversary summit opened in Bishkek, with leaders expected to sign the Bishkek Declaration and adopt biodiversity and “green technological corridor” initiatives.