Pakistan records second warmest year in 65 years as climate reforms advance

Pakistan recorded its second warmest year in the past 65 years in 2025, with a national annual mean temperature of 23.9 degrees Celsius and rainfall 3% below the long-term average, according to the Economic Survey.

The report links the trend to Pakistan's growing vulnerability to extreme weather, even as the country presses ahead with policy and financing reforms.

What does Pakistan's second warmest year in 65 years mean?

Pakistan's 2025 temperature of 23.9 degrees Celsius ranks as the second highest annual mean on record in 65 years of data. Rainfall came in 3% below the long-term average.

The milestone reflects a sustained warming trend that climate experts say is intensifying the country's exposure to floods, droughts, and heat extremes.

What climate reforms did Pakistan complete in 2025?

Pakistan completed four key reforms under the IMF's Resilience and Sustainability Facility. These were the introduction of a carbon levy, the development of an electric vehicle policy framework, the issuance of climate-related financial risk management guidelines, and the operationalization of a green taxonomy alongside ESG disclosure guidelines.

The reforms are designed to align Pakistan's financial and regulatory systems with international climate standards and attract green investment.

What is the Pakistan Climate Prosperity Plan?

The Economic Survey highlighted the launch of the Pakistan Climate Prosperity Plan, an investment-led framework that aims to convert climate challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth and long-term economic stability.

The plan is structured around resilience-building and positions climate action as a driver of economic development rather than a cost.

Pakistan's Green Taxonomy is being rolled out in phases, starting with voluntary reporting of climate-related risks, opportunities, and taxonomy-aligned activities through June 2029. The framework will later shift to mandatory compliance.

How is Pakistan preparing for monsoon flooding?

The Economic Survey noted the approval of the Monsoon 2026 Strategic Plan, a time-bound climate adaptation framework aimed at reducing recurring flood-related losses through risk-informed planning.

Climate-related disasters caused an estimated PKR 822 billion in losses and damages across Pakistan in 2025, underscoring the urgency of the plan.

What climate financing has Pakistan secured?

The Green Climate Fund approved the Glaciers to Farms regional program with an allocation of $27.5 million to strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable ecosystems.

The Climate and Disaster Resilience Enhancement Programme Subprogram II, with a separate allocation of $500 million, is currently under implementation.