According to sources, the federal government is poised to greenlight a heightened budget allocation of Rs. 15.87 billion for the Ministry of Climate Change in the forthcoming fiscal year.
Proposals suggest a significant increase in the climate change budget by Rs. 11.82 billion, elevating it from Rs. 4 billion in the previous fiscal year to Rs. 15.87 billion for FY2024-25.
Sources indicate that primary objectives entail the continuation of the Green Pakistan program, previously recognized as the Ten Billion Trees Tsunami Program. The lion’s share of the climate budget, totaling Rs. 15.62 billion, has been earmarked for this initiative.
Initiated in 2018, the project carries an estimated total cost exceeding Rs. 125 billion. As of June 30, 2024, authorities anticipate having disbursed Rs. 29.56 billion for the project. Expenditures for the nationwide tree plantation campaign are expected to surpass Rs. 45 billion in the upcoming fiscal year, as per sources.
The new budget also encompasses funding for four additional projects under the Ministry of Climate Change. Notably, an allocation of Rs. 100 million has been designated for capacity-building and to bolster the ministry’s operational efficiency.