Sherry Rehman Criticizes 'Shocking' Climate Budget Cuts, Warns of Increased Vulnerability

Senator Sherry Rehman has strongly criticized the reduction in climate-related budget allocations, labeling it 'shocking' and warning that Pakistan faces heightened environmental vulnerability due to worsening climate extremes. Presiding over a Senate committee meeting, Rehman highlighted increasing heatwaves, glacier melt, erratic rainfall, and water scarcity. She stressed monsoon preparedness as an immediate national priority and called for better institutional coordination to tackle the 'climate polycrisis.' The committee noted a drop in the Climate Ministry's Public Sector Development Programme allocation from Rs3.5 billion to Rs2.478 billion. Rehman questioned the need for a proposed Climate Authority, warning against bureaucratic overlaps. She also raised concerns about the losses of state-owned enterprises and the utilization of allocated funds.

This news is important as it highlights concerns about reduced funding for climate action in Pakistan, potentially impacting the country's ability to address climate change challenges and protect its population.