The Knowledge Forum

23/12/2025

How can Pakistan respond to climate change in ways that actually work on the ground?

The Knowledge Forum (TKF), jointly with Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi, brought together environmental experts and academicians in Karachi to stress the importance of indigenous wisdom, localised solutions and community participation in tackling climate challenges.

At the panel “Localising Climate Action in Sindh”, speakers discussed sea intrusion in the Indus Delta, urban heat in Karachi, flood damage, water scarcity and agricultural losses. The discussion highlighted a clear message. While climate policies exist, effective implementation and locally rooted strategies are essential for long term resilience in Sindh and across Pakistan

| The Knowledge Forum | TKF | Climate Change Pakistan | Local Solutions | Sindh | Climate Resilience | SMIU

12/12/2025

Despite the bleak picture of law and order shown in the Indian film Dhurandhar the reality today is far more hopeful as security has improved greatly.
But in Karachi’s most crowded neighbourhood Lyari the real crisis is different.
Social conditions and weak infrastructure remain deeply troubling and the challenges on the ground are far more serious than anything shown on screen.

11/12/2025

11/12/2025

'No nation can survive without justice and neither can the planet'

Justice (R) Mansoor Ali Shah, Session Chair at the Asia Energy Transition Summit 2025 for the panel discussion titled 'Multilateralism at the brink'.

09/12/2025

A group of civil society representatives met Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab yesterday to discuss the Karachi Climate Action Plan.

The Karachi Climate Action Plan (KCAP) was developed by KMC in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme Pakistan as a part of Karachi city’s status as a C40 City. The plan seeks to address the climate vulnerability of the city through concerted actions directed at reducing the emissions footprint of the city by promoting clean energy, waste management, and controlling industrial and transport emissions, among others. The implementation of the Plan rests with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation as its principal custodian, supported by the provincial authorities and other city-level institutions.

Mayor Karachi shared updates on several initiatives already completed by KMC, including solarization of select KMC buildings, establishment of EV charging stations, distribution of electric scooters, creation of rainwater harvesting ponds, and expansion of tree plantation efforts.

Civil society representatives highlighted the need for speedy implementation of important components of the Plan. These included expanding the uptake of clean energy in Karachi, in the form of green grid and distributed generation and micro-grids; ensuring adoption and stricter compliance with National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (NEECA) green building codes; increasing and safeguarding green spaces; improving coordination between Union Councils and local communities; and overcoming the persistent lack of community ownership in plantation and maintenance drives.

Civil society also raised concerns over K-Electric’s reliance on fossil-fuel power many of which are established within the city’s territory and contributing to emissions. Civil society members stressed the need for adoption of clean energy by KE .

The meeting concluded with a set of broad understandings on the way forward. Participants agreed to explore development of a plan to foster community involvement and ownership of important components of KCAP, particularly those related to clean energy provision, expanding green cover in the city, and adoption of green building code.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular engagement, with the Mayor reiterating that meaningful climate action in Karachi would require sustained collaboration between government institutions, experts, and local communities.

Those who attended from their respective organisations included Dr. Saeedudin, Ms. Zeenia Shaukat, Zahid Farooq, Ms. Hawwa Fazal, Shujauddin Qureshi, Ms.Munazza. Ms Sumaira Malik who played the lead role in developing KCAP on behalf of the Mayor’s office was also present in the meeting.

09/12/2025

This week we met former MP Sir Bulund Khan to share our work on communities’ lived experiences of energy in Sindh. We discussed the impact of load shedding in low-income areas of Karachi labelled as “high loss feeders,” and the difficult conditions facing communities around fossil fuel plants in Sanghar, Badin, Sujawal and Ghotki. Communities continue to face health issues, loss of livelihood, water stress and missing benefits from royalties and CSR commitments.

We also talked about the situation in Thar, where coal mining and power production have strained local populations through deteriorating air and water quality and loss of grazing lands.

Sir Bulund Khan acknowledged the challenges created by incoherent energy policy, lack of legislation, and the burden carried by communities. He emphasised the need to move towards clean energy and ensure fairness for affected populations.

04/12/2025

04/12/2025

This week we met with Mr Sajjad Soomro and shared our work based on communities’ lived energy experiences. We discussed the impacts of load shedding in low-income areas of Karachi, and the environmental and health issues faced by communities around fossil fuel plants in Sanghar, Badin, Sujawal and Ghotki.

We also talked about the ongoing challenges in Thar caused by coal mining and power production.

Mr Sajjad Soomro recognised the difficulties created by policy gaps, weak legislation and federal control over key energy matters. He expressed commitment to supporting solutions that allow his constituency to benefit from clean energy potential.

03/12/2025

We met Ms Khairunnisa Mughal this week to discuss the challenges communities face across Sindh due to current energy practices.

From excessive load shedding in low-income Karachi areas to the health and livelihood impacts near fossil fuel plants in Sanghar, Badin, Sujawal and Ghotki, communities continue to suffer without receiving the benefits they are entitled to.

We also brought attention to the situation in Thar where coal mining and power production continue to burden local people through declining air and water quality.

Ms Khairunnisa Mughal acknowledged these issues and emphasised the need for better legislation and improved energy governance to support communities.

02/12/2025

02/12/2025

PREC, ACJCE and LUMS Energy Institute are proud to announce that the Asia Energy Transition Summit 2025 will be held on 6-7 December 2025. We will be joined by an international and national panel of leading voices in the field of energy transition, climate change and renewable energy. Join us as we pave the way for imagining a just energy transition in Asia. Register by scanning the QR code or using the registration link in the comments.

[Tagged: PREC, LUMS Energy Institute, SDPI, CSIDC, CVF, APMDD, CPI, TKF, CAEA, CAC, RF, ALC, ADC]

02/12/2025

This week we engaged with Miss Heer Soho to discuss the energy challenges faced by communities across Sindh. We shared our findings on load shedding in low-income areas of Karachi, and the environmental and health impacts around fossil fuel plants in Sanghar, Badin, Sujawal and Ghotki.

We also highlighted the situation in Thar where coal mining and power generation continue to affect livelihoods, air quality and water resources.

Miss Heer Soho acknowledged the policy gaps and the weight of public distress on elected representatives. She expressed her commitment to exploring legislative solutions that can help communities benefit from the province’s clean energy resources.

Our work continues as we aim to bridge the gap between knowledge and action for a fair and sustainable energy future in Sindh.