For the past few years, Balochistan has emerged as Pakistan’s climate hotspot. On one hand, the province continues to suffer from the impacts of climate change. On the other hand, large scale infrastructural damage during climatic events has raised concerns about the need for improved environmental governance in the province. In June 2024, the Balochistan provincial cabinet approved its first-ever Climate Change Policy (BCCP), marking a significant milestone for the province.

Under its Climate Governance Integrity Programme (CGIP), TI Pakistan has emphasized that to improve climate governance in the province, it is imperative that the policy includes integrity measures. Against this backdrop, TI Pakistan continued to advocate with different stakeholders to highlight the need for transparency and inclusivity in the provincial climate policy. TI Pakistan released its position paper and advocated for the adoption of the Civil Society recommendations drafted through a provincial consultation under CGIP, to ensure that integrity and accountability are at the heart of climate action in the province.

As a result, BCCP 2024 not only addresses critical environmental challenges that the province is facing but is also the first to incorporate anti-corruption and accountability measures. Key measures included in the policy mandate adherence to public procurement rules (see clause 2.3. BCCP, 2024), the creation of a climate change dashboard for public access to information (see clause 6.1.2 BCCP, 2024), and a grievance redressal mechanism to enhance transparency and prevent corruption (see clause 6.1.2 BCCP, 2024). The policy also emphasises community-based monitoring and evaluation (see clause 6.2.1, BCCP, 2024), ensuring active participation from local communities, including women and vulnerable groups in climate projects (see clause 5.5 BCCP, 2024).