永續發展目標知識

The Government of Pakistan has taken significant steps to address poverty under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1. The flagship Ehsaas Program, launched in 2019, is the largest social protection initiative in Pakistan’s history, targeting financial inclusion and economic upliftment for low-income families. It includes Ehsaas Kafaalat, which provides direct cash assistance to women, Ehsaas Langars and Panagahs for free meals and shelter, and Ehsaas Interest-Free Loans to support entrepreneurship. Additionally, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) continues to provide direct financial aid to the poorest households. The government has also introduced subsidies on essential commodities and launched Kamyab Pakistan Program, which offers microloans and housing support to empower vulnerable communities. These efforts collectively aim to create a robust social safety net and reduce poverty in Pakistan.

Pakistan has taken significant initiatives to achieve Zero Hunger under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Ehsaas Nashonuma Program provides conditional cash transfers to vulnerable mothers and children to combat malnutrition. The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) ensures financial assistance to low-income families, improving food security. The government has also launched the Kissan Package, providing subsidies and incentives to farmers to boost agricultural productivity. Additionally, the Pakistan National Food Security Policy focuses on sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and equitable food distribution. Non-governmental organizations and international partners, including the World Food Programme (WFP), collaborate with Pakistan to run school feeding programs and community-driven food security projects. These efforts collectively aim to eradicate hunger, reduce food insecurity, and promote sustainable livelihoods across the country.

Pakistan has undertaken several initiatives aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) to improve healthcare access, reduce mortality rates, and enhance public health infrastructure. The Sehat Sahulat Program provides free health insurance to low-income families, ensuring access to quality medical treatment. The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) targets vaccine-preventable diseases, reducing child mortality and improving overall health outcomes. Efforts like the National Program for Family Planning and Primary Healthcare (Lady Health Workers Program) extend essential maternal and child health services to remote areas. Additionally, the government is strengthening healthcare systems through digital innovations such as the Taleem Ghar Health App, offering telemedicine services. Collaborations with organizations like WHO and UNICEF support initiatives for combating malnutrition, mental health awareness, and communicable diseases. These measures collectively aim to enhance healthcare accessibility, promote preventive care, and ensure a healthier population.

Pakistan has made substantial progress in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing access to education, improving literacy rates, and fostering inclusive learning opportunities. The Ehsaas Education Stipends Program offers financial assistance to low-income families to encourage school enrollment and reduce dropout rates. The Single National Curriculum (SNC) aims to standardize education across public and private institutions, ensuring equal learning opportunities for all students. The Pakistan Education Fund supports infrastructure development in underserved areas, while programs like Taleem Ghar utilize digital platforms to facilitate remote learning. The government has also launched the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme, which provides laptops to talented students, enhancing digital literacy and access to online education. Additionally, numerous scholarships are offered to students at both national and international levels, ensuring equitable opportunities for higher education. Collaborations with international organizations such as UNESCO and UNICEF further support efforts to promote gender equality in education and youth skill development. These combined initiatives are focused on ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education, fostering lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Pakistan has made notable strides in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) by implementing policies and programs aimed at empowering women and ensuring their full participation in society. The Ehsaas Program includes targeted initiatives to support women, especially in rural areas, by providing financial aid and promoting women’s economic empowerment. The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has a specific focus on female-headed households, offering them financial assistance to improve their livelihoods. The government has also introduced women’s empowerment initiatives like the Women Entrepreneurship Development Program, which provides financial support, training, and resources to women entrepreneurs. The Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan Program further promotes gender equality by offering young women access to business loans and skill development opportunities. Additionally, Pakistan has ratified international agreements such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), strengthening its legal framework for gender equality. Collaborative efforts with organizations like UN Women aim to address issues like gender-based violence, promote women’s political participation, and ensure access to quality education and healthcare for women and girls. These measures contribute to empowering women and fostering gender equality across the country.

Pakistan has implemented several initiatives to advance Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by improving water access, enhancing sanitation systems, and promoting sustainable water management practices. The Clean Drinking Water for All Program aims to provide safe and clean drinking water to underserved areas, particularly in rural regions, through the installation of filtration plants and water distribution systems. The government has also launched the National Water Policy, which focuses on sustainable water resource management, efficient irrigation techniques, and conservation measures. The Sehat Sahulat Program ensures access to clean sanitation facilities for marginalized communities to improve public health. Additionally, the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is working on projects like the Diamer-Bhasha Dam to increase water storage capacity and enhance irrigation systems. Efforts like the World Bank-supported Pakistan Clean Water Program and collaborations with international organizations such as UNICEF aim to improve water quality, reduce waterborne diseases, and ensure that every individual has access to adequate sanitation facilities. These collective efforts focus on promoting the sustainable use of water resources and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.

Pakistan has taken significant steps to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by increasing access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy for all. The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) is spearheading initiatives to promote renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, through projects like the Jhimpir Wind Power Project and the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park. The government has also introduced policies like the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program (NEECP) to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency across industries. The Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan Program offers financial support to young entrepreneurs for clean energy projects, contributing to green business development. Additionally, the government is focusing on expanding the National Grid and providing electricity to rural and off-grid areas through solar power initiatives. Collaborations with international organizations like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) support efforts to scale up clean energy infrastructure and promote energy access for underserved communities. These initiatives work together to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, contributing to a greener future for Pakistan.

Pakistan has made significant efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting inclusive economic growth, enhancing job opportunities, and fostering sustainable industries. The government has introduced the Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan Program, which provides youth with access to business loans, training, and mentorship, fostering entrepreneurship and creating job opportunities. The Pakistan Vision 2025 focuses on transforming the country’s economy by enhancing industrial development, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and promoting exports. The Labour Policy 2010 emphasizes workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and ensuring fair wages for all employees. Pakistan is also strengthening its skill development programs, such as the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), to improve the employability of youth and women in various sectors. Additionally, the Uraan Pakistan initiative focuses on increasing digital literacy and creating job opportunities in the tech industry, particularly for women, through skill development programs and online platforms. Partnerships with international organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) aim to promote decent work, eradicate child labor, and ensure fair labor standards. These efforts collectively support sustained economic growth, job creation, and the promotion of decent work for all, contributing to a thriving and equitable economy.

Pakistan has made strides toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering industrial growth, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting innovation across various sectors. The Make in Pakistan Policy focuses on strengthening the manufacturing sector, promoting industrialization, and enhancing export capabilities, with an emphasis on technology-driven growth. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project that aims to improve transportation, energy, and industrial infrastructure, boosting economic growth and connectivity within the region. The government has also launched initiatives like the Technology Development Fund to support innovation and research in industries such as information technology, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Pakistan is enhancing its digital infrastructure through programs like National Information Technology Board (NITB), which aims to create a robust IT ecosystem by supporting digital startups and expanding access to broadband internet across rural areas. Furthermore, the SME Development Authority focuses on facilitating small and medium enterprises by providing access to finance, technology, and markets. Collaborations with international organizations such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) are supporting efforts to improve infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and drive innovation. These initiatives collectively contribute to building resilient infrastructure, fostering inclusive industrialization, and supporting innovation for sustainable economic development.

Pakistan has made significant efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequality) by promoting policies that address social, economic, and regional disparities. The government’s Ehsaas Program targets poverty alleviation and income redistribution, providing financial assistance to vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas. The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) specifically focuses on female-headed households and marginalized communities, aiming to reduce economic inequality and improve livelihoods. Additionally, initiatives like the Sehat Sahulat Program provide free health insurance to low-income families, ensuring access to essential healthcare services, which helps reduce health disparities. The National Jobs Portal and Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan Program are designed to improve access to employment opportunities for youth and women, particularly in underserved areas. The government is also working towards regional development through initiatives like the 中巴經濟走廊 projects, which aim to boost infrastructure, create jobs, and reduce regional inequalities by focusing on underdeveloped regions, particularly Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan’s Women Empowerment Initiatives work toward reducing gender inequality by improving access to education, healthcare, and financial resources for women. Furthermore, Pakistan is working closely with international organizations like UNDP to address inequality through targeted development programs and policies that foster social inclusion, promote equitable economic growth, and reduce systemic barriers for marginalized groups. These combined efforts contribute to narrowing the gap in inequality across economic, social, and regional dimensions.

Pakistan has made notable strides toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by focusing on urban development, improving infrastructure, and promoting sustainable living. The Prime Minister’s Clean Green Pakistan Movement encourages sustainable waste management, tree plantation, and eco-friendly urban spaces to improve the quality of life in cities. The government is working on smart city initiatives through the development of urban hubs like Lahore Smart City and Karachi’s Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which aim to reduce congestion, improve public transportation, and create more sustainable urban environments. Pakistan has also introduced the National Housing and Habitat Policy to address affordable housing challenges, focusing on providing low-cost housing and improving slum settlements. The National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) works to enhance resilience in cities against natural disasters, ensuring safer, more resilient urban environments. Efforts like the Karachi Transformation Strategy and CPEC’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) contribute to urban regeneration, infrastructure development, and the promotion of sustainable, livable cities. Collaborations with international organizations, such as UN-Habitat, support initiatives to improve urban planning, increase green spaces, and promote energy-efficient building practices. These combined efforts are aimed at fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities that provide safe and healthy living conditions for all.

Pakistan has made significant efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable practices in production, consumption, and waste management. The government has implemented policies such as the National Cleaner Production Center (NCPC), which aims to reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency in industries, encouraging businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. Pakistan’s Plastic Waste Management Policy focuses on reducing plastic pollution through initiatives like the plastic bag ban in major cities and encouraging the use of biodegradable alternatives. The Green Pakistan Program encourages sustainable farming practices, promoting organic agriculture and reducing the environmental impact of traditional farming methods. In addition, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works to regulate industrial emissions, ensure sustainable waste disposal, and protect natural resources. The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) promotes energy-efficient technologies in manufacturing, reducing energy consumption across sectors. Pakistan is also focusing on sustainable consumption by raising awareness about the importance of reducing waste, recycling, and adopting eco-friendly lifestyles. Collaborations with international organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) help strengthen efforts to promote sustainable production and consumption patterns. These combined initiatives aim to reduce the ecological footprint of consumption and production while fostering a circular economy.

Pakistan has undertaken various initiatives to advance Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) by addressing the challenges of climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing climate resilience. The National Climate Change Policy (2012) outlines Pakistan’s strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change and promotes actions such as increasing the share of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. The Pakistan Climate Change Act established the Pakistan Climate Change Authority, which works to coordinate national and provincial climate policies and strategies. In response to the increasing threats of climate-induced disasters, the government has initiated the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) to strengthen disaster preparedness and recovery. Pakistan is also enhancing its reforestation efforts through programs like the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Project, which aims to combat deforestation and increase carbon sequestration. The Pakistan Renewable Energy Policy aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix, with projects like solar and wind farms driving the transition to clean energy. Additionally, Pakistan is actively involved in international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, and works with organizations like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to align with global climate targets. Local initiatives, such as the Clean Green Pakistan Movement, focus on sustainable waste management, clean water, and reducing pollution. These combined efforts are aimed at reducing Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, mitigating environmental damage, and enhancing the nation’s climate resilience.

Pakistan has made significant strides in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) by focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The country’s National Marine Pollution Control Policy aims to reduce marine pollution through stringent regulations on waste disposal and industrial emissions, focusing on preventing plastic and chemical waste from reaching the oceans. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is actively involved in monitoring and managing coastal and marine ecosystems, including the Indus Delta and the Makran Coast, which are critical to the nation’s biodiversity. Pakistan has also committed to expanding its marine protected areas (MPAs), including the Astola Island and Miani Hor, to preserve marine life and promote sustainable fisheries management. The Indus River and its delta ecosystems are central to Pakistan’s conservation efforts, with initiatives aimed at reducing overfishing, preserving fish habitats, and protecting the livelihoods of communities dependent on marine resources. Additionally, Pakistan is working to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by strengthening its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Collaboration with international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and FAO supports initiatives aimed at sustainable fisheries management, reducing ocean acidification, and enhancing marine biodiversity conservation. These combined efforts aim to protect marine ecosystems, reduce pollution, and ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources for future generations.

Pakistan has taken significant steps toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) by promoting the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and addressing deforestation. The 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Project is one of the country’s flagship environmental programs, aimed at increasing forest cover, restoring degraded land, and combating soil erosion through large-scale tree planting and reforestation initiatives. Pakistan has also established the National Biodiversity Action Plan, focusing on preserving the country’s rich biodiversity, which includes endangered species like the Markhor and Indus dolphin, through protected areas and conservation programs. The Pakistan Protected Areas Initiative (PAPI) works to expand the network of protected areas, ensuring that critical habitats for wildlife are conserved and managed sustainably. Efforts to combat desertification include the Billion Tree Tsunami Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which focuses on reclaiming barren land and preventing soil erosion in dry and semi-arid areas. Pakistan is also promoting sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming and agroforestry, to enhance food security while reducing the environmental impact of conventional agricultural methods. Collaborations with international organizations like UNEP and IUCN help strengthen these efforts, providing technical support and expertise in biodiversity conservation and land management. These initiatives collectively contribute to the restoration and preservation of terrestrial ecosystems, ensuring sustainable land use and the protection of biodiversity for future generations.

Pakistan has made significant strides toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by focusing on strengthening governance, promoting justice, and ensuring access to legal rights for all citizens. The government has introduced several reforms, such as the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which ensures transparency in government processes and encourages public accountability. The National Anti-Corruption Strategy is aimed at combating corruption and promoting integrity within public institutions through enhanced oversight, whistleblower protection, and stricter enforcement of laws. Pakistan has also worked to enhance access to justice through the National Justice Policy, which focuses on improving the efficiency of the judicial system, reducing case backlogs, and ensuring legal aid for marginalized groups. The Police Reform Program seeks to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement by promoting professional training, improving public trust, and ensuring human rights protection in policing. Furthermore, Pakistan’s National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) plays a vital role in enhancing security and preventing extremism through policy coordination and the strengthening of institutional capacities. The National Human Rights Commission works to protect the rights of citizens, while promoting awareness and legal advocacy for vulnerable populations, including women and minorities. Collaborations with international organizations, such as UNDP and UNODC, support Pakistan’s efforts to build effective, transparent, and accountable institutions while ensuring that justice is accessible to all. These combined efforts contribute to fostering a peaceful, just, and inclusive society, underpinned by strong institutions.

Pakistan has made considerable efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening multi-stakeholder collaborations to accelerate progress on sustainable development. The government has actively engaged with international organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and European Union to secure funding and technical support for various development initiatives. Pakistan’s China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a prominent example of international cooperation, connecting Pakistan with China and other countries in the region, focusing on infrastructure development, economic growth, and sustainable trade. The National Stakeholders Forum serves as a platform for dialogue and partnership between government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to address key development challenges, such as poverty, education, and climate change. Through initiatives like the Global Framework on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Pakistan collaborates with national and international partners to ensure the alignment of policies and strategies with global goals. The Private Sector Development Policy aims to encourage business partnerships, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship while promoting sustainable industry practices. Furthermore, Pakistan has strengthened South-South cooperation by partnering with other developing countries to exchange knowledge, technologies, and experiences in areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, and education. These partnerships are instrumental in achieving the SDGs, leveraging shared resources, expertise, and innovations to address global challenges and promote sustainable development.