EU Supports Gilgit-Baltistan’s First Carbon Strategy and Action Plan
EU Supports Gilgit-Baltistan’s First Carbon Strategy And Action Plan
Published September 23, 2026 | 10:20 PM
GILGIT, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Sep, 2026) Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis, has stated that addressing climate change, safeguarding the environment, and promoting sustainable economic development in Gilgit-Baltistan are among the EU’s core priorities.
He made these remarks during the launch ceremony of Gilgit-Baltistan's inaugural Carbon Strategy and Action Plan, meticulously crafted for the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan under the EU Policy Support Project.
"The European Union remains dedicated to assisting Gilgit-Baltistan in grappling with the escalating ramifications of climate change," said the Ambassador. "Following the successful conclusion of this pivotal policy formulation phase, the European Union will further broaden its technical and financial cooperation with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan over the coming years to facilitate the implementation of this strategy."
The ceremony, held at the Secretariat complex, was attended by Minister for Planning and Development Syed Jalal Ali Shah, Minister for Forests and Wildlife Raja Nasir Ali Khan, Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfikar Ali Murad, Secretary Forest and Wildlife Sibtain Ahmed, Secretary Local Government and Rural Development Mr. Kashif Mohammad Ali Hashmi, and other senior government officials and secretaries.
Ashab Ullah Baig, Team Leader and Carbon Expert of the EU Policy Support Project to the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, offered a comprehensive overview during his presentation on the key elements and strategic objectives of the Carbon Strategy and Action Plan. He explained that the strategy aims to transform Gilgit-Baltistan into a low-carbon, climate-resilient mountain economy while upholding sustainable development and preserving its delicate ecosystems.
He noted that Gilgit-Baltistan's economy, communities, and biodiversity are increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including glacier retreat, floods, and landslides. According to the baseline assessment shared during the event, Gilgit-Baltistan’s annual gross greenhouse gas emissions stand at approximately 1.123 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). Fuel wood consumption and road transport account for roughly 84.2% of total gross emissions.
To counter these challenges, the Carbon Strategy prioritizes:
- Reducing reliance on fuelwood through cleaner cooking and heating solutions.
- Enhancing biomass-use efficiency.
- Promoting electric vehicles and cleaner transportation.
- Expanding the utilization of hydropower and solar energy.
The strategy also advocates a far-reaching program of institutional and governance reforms, including the establishment of a GB Carbon Cell to bolster carbon governance, monitoring, reporting, and verification, empowering the region to access international climate finance and actively participate in emerging markets.