Pakistan has officially mandated the Green Building Code for all upcoming construction projects, marking a major step toward sustainable development. The decision, taken under the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and led by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, aims to align the country’s construction standards with global benchmarks for environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the “Pakistan Green Buildings Session” in Islamabad, held in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Prof. Ahsan Iqbal said,
“Under the URAAN Pakistan framework, all future development projects must now follow green construction principles. The initiative focuses on energy efficiency, water conservation, the use of renewable materials, and the reduction of construction waste.”
He added that the implementation of the Green Building Code will ensure that public sector infrastructure becomes greener, stronger, and more environmentally responsible. Sustainable development, he emphasized, is no longer optional but essential for Pakistan’s survival and competitiveness in a changing climate.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal also urged private developers, local authorities, and international partners to adopt green standards and global best practices. Environmental protection, he noted, is a shared responsibility that requires collective action from all sectors.
With this initiative, the Planning Commission has opened a new chapter in Pakistan’s journey toward climate resilience and sustainable growth. The minister concluded by inviting experts and partners to contribute policy recommendations that can further strengthen green development in the country.