Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passes bill to establish a Climate Action Board to tackle escalating climate threats including floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, unanimously passed the KP Climate Action Board Bill, 2025, to establish a dedicated body to address climate change and flash floods impacting the province.
The establishment of the Climate Action Board in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a critical step for a region severely affected by climate-induced disasters, such as floods and glacial melt, which threaten livelihoods, agriculture, and water security across South Asia.
Addressing Climate Change Challenges
The KP Climate Action Board Bill, 2025, introduced by Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi, aims to create a centralised authority to plan, oversee, and execute climate-related initiatives. The board will streamline decision-making and coordinate cross-sector efforts to mitigate risks posed by climate change, including flash floods and deforestation. According to the bill, the board will be administratively and functionally independent, ensuring flexibility in developing and implementing climate policies.
The legislation responds to the province’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events. In August 2025, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faced devastating floods, with Buner district alone reporting 217 deaths and 120 injuries. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority on X, over 300 lives were lost across the province, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated climate action.
Composition and Responsibilities
The Climate Action Board will be chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (Planning and Development) and include secretaries from finance, law, climate change, energy, transport, and local government departments. Four private-sector nominees, including at least one woman, and two provincial assembly members nominated by the Speaker will also serve on the board.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and reviewing climate policies and action plans.
- Maintaining provincial greenhouse gas inventories and establishing emission baselines.
- Conducting research on climate mitigation, adaptation, and finance.
- Mobilising resources for climate action, including international funding from mechanisms like Green Climate Finance and Global Environment Facility.
The board will also facilitate participation in carbon markets, promote carbon credit generation, and implement carbon pricing mechanisms to encourage low-carbon development. Public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement will further enhance community resilience to climate change.
Tackling Floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Environmental Threats
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s susceptibility to flash floods, glacial melt, and deforestation has intensified due to climate change. The bill’s statement of objectives notes that the absence of a centralised mechanism has hindered effective responses to these challenges. By establishing the Climate Action Board, the province aims to align development projects with climate goals, including climate tagging of schemes in the Annual Development Programme.
The board will also manage a dedicated Climate Action Board Fund to ensure financial autonomy and support initiatives like flood preparedness and ecosystem restoration. According to the KP Environmental Protection Agency on X, recent floods in 2025 caused widespread destruction, underscoring the need for such a fund to bolster resilience.
Background
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has faced recurring climate-related disasters, with the 2025 monsoon season marking one of the deadliest periods. The floods, described as a “mega monsoon” by experts, claimed over 657 lives nationwide, with KP bearing a significant toll. Previous initiatives, such as the Billion Tree Tsunami, demonstrated the province’s commitment to environmental sustainability, but the scale of recent disasters necessitates a more robust institutional framework.
The KP Assembly also passed the KP Aasan Karobar Bill, 2025, and the KP Tourism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, during the same session, reflecting a broader legislative push to address economic and environmental challenges. The tourism bill extended the tenure of the tourism police, prompted by delays in new recruitment amid the tourist season.
What’s Next
The Climate Action Board’s establishment offers hope for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as it seeks to address the escalating impacts of floods and climate change. The board’s success will depend on its ability to secure international funding and implement effective policies to mitigate environmental risks and enhance community resilience.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 3rd, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram, and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
