ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan is rolling out a National Cooling Action Plan to address rising heat stress, as the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Coordination integrates sustainable cooling measures into national policies and planning frameworks.
Integrating cooling measures into national policy
In an exclusive conversation with Wealth Pakistan, Minister for Climate Change Musadik Masood Malik said the ministry has taken concrete steps to embed sustainable cooling requirements into various national strategies. He said that Pakistan’s National Climate Change Policy now provides clear directions for adopting energy-efficient appliances, enforcing building energy codes and promoting passive and green building designs to reduce cooling demand.
Green building code to reduce cooling loads
Mr Malik explained that the green building code introduces mandatory provisions for site sustainability, passive solar design, natural ventilation and green roofing. It also includes indoor air quality guidelines and energy-efficient building envelopes. These measures, he noted, directly reduce cooling loads. In addition, the code encourages renewable energy integration, water-efficient technologies and sustainable construction materials to ensure climate-smart practices.
Heat stress included in national health planning
He said that heat stress has been identified as a major climate-sensitive health risk under the National Action Plan. As a result, climate adaptation must now be integrated into public health planning.
Rising forest fire incidents linked to climate change
The minister said Pakistan recorded 146 forest fire incidents in 2025, which affected 7,502 acres of land. In comparison, 317 incidents in 2024 harmed 6,708 acres, while 16 incidents in 2023 damaged 1,287 acres. He said climate change continues to increase Pakistan’s vulnerability to forest fires.
In response to widespread fires in 2022, and following directives from the Prime Minister, the government established a High-Level Stakeholder Coordination Mechanism to improve preparedness and response capabilities.
New SOPs for forest fire management
Mr Malik said the Climate Change Ministry developed Standard Operating Procedures for forest fire prevention and response in consultation with provincial and territorial authorities. A fortnightly reporting format has also been issued to ensure regular monitoring. All stakeholders, he added, have been instructed to make proper preparedness arrangements.
Pakistan Cooling Action Plan (PCAP)
He said the ministry has developed the Pakistan Cooling Action Plan (PCAP) to define national cooling ambitions and guide activities in the cooling sector. The PCAP covers domestic and commercial refrigeration, domestic air conditioning and both on-grid and off-grid fans.
According to him, PCAP includes plans to introduce minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and labeling for cooling products such as air conditioners, refrigerators and fans. It also proposes the bulk replacement of inefficient fans in government buildings and low-income households with 5-star/DC fans. In addition, efficient DC fans will be deployed in off-grid areas to improve cooling access.
Emissions reduction and energy savings
Mr Malik said the plan aims to avoid 22 MtCO₂e of indirect emissions and save 46 TWh of electricity. It also targets a reduction of 5 MtCO₂e in direct emissions through refrigerant transition. Improved cooling access for 3 million people in off-grid and weak-grid communities is also planned.
Mandates under national energy efficiency policy
He said the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Policy mandates MEPS and mandatory labeling for refrigerators and air conditioners. It also promotes energy audits and adoption of efficient cooling systems in industries and buildings.