In a major step toward aligning Pakistan’s corporate ecosystem with global sustainability standards, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) have launched the ESG Pakistan Project—a transformative three-year initiative. Officially inaugurated through an awareness workshop in Islamabad, the project brought together stakeholders from capital markets, the corporate sector, and professional institutions.
SECP Chairperson Akif Saeed underscored the pressing relevance of sustainability for the financial sector, highlighting the need for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) integration, especially for a climate-vulnerable country like Pakistan. Saeed emphasized that the global shift toward sustainable finance is irreversible and that the SECP has already laid groundwork with its ESG Regulatory Roadmap, Disclosure Guidelines, and the launch of the ESG Sustain Portal.
IFC’s Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Zeeshan Sheikh, echoed this sentiment, adding that sustainable practices are crucial for improving corporate reputation, attracting investment, and driving growth. He stressed that the ESG Pakistan Project will serve as a catalyst for the widespread adoption of international ESG standards through workshops, impact assessments, and regulatory support.
Backed by IFC’s Facility for Investment Climate Advisory Services (FIAS) and funded by the CIFPAK facility—managed in partnership with the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office—the project aims to build a transparent, inclusive regulatory environment. With capacity building and data-driven strategies at its core, ESG Pakistan marks a vital move toward responsible business practices and long-term sustainable development in the country.
