Govt plans $10m fund to support clean-air startups
ISLAMABAD: The federal government plans to establish a $10 million fund for startups developing solutions to Pakistan’s air pollution crisis, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik announced at the Pakistan National Clean Air Conference 2026.
Malik said air pollution costs Pakistan an estimated 6.5% of its gross domestic product through illness, hospitalisation, lost productivity and additional financial pressure on families.
He stressed that the effects are not shared equally. Wealthier households can install air purifiers and take other protective measures, while children, street vendors, farmers, daily-wage earners and other outdoor workers often have no way to avoid polluted air.
Schoolchildren remain exposed while travelling through polluted streets, while people who depend on outdoor work cannot stay indoors without losing their livelihoods, he said. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may also require costly oxygen and medication.
The minister noted that air pollution can harm children’s lung health and development. He said the burden on vulnerable communities made clean air both a public health priority and an issue of social and economic fairness.
Practical solutions needed
Discussing crop-residue burning, Malik said environmental policies must reflect the financial realities faced by farmers. Any workable solution should reduce pollution without threatening farming communities’ incomes.
He described air pollution as the result of human activity and policy choices rather than an unavoidable natural disaster. Practical interventions are therefore needed to control industrial emissions and address other major pollution sources.
Malik said Pakistan had previously overcome difficult challenges through determined action, pointing to major infrastructure projects and efforts to control dengue. He also cited improvements in air quality in large Chinese cities and China’s growth as a leading exporter of solar technology.
Pakistan could make similar progress by combining effective regulation, technological innovation, engineering expertise and cooperation with development partners, he added.
Fund expected to support innovation
According to the minister, the government decided to finance the proposed clean-air startup fund from its limited resources after seeking support from development partners. Approval from the relevant board was expected shortly.
He characterised the initiative as an investment in future generations rather than a conventional grant or loan. The government intends to continue pursuing clean-air measures even if external financing is unavailable.
Malik acknowledged international development organisations supporting Pakistan’s climate-related programmes but said meaningful progress would require sustained financial commitments alongside sound policies and technical solutions.
The government will continue working with its partners to cut emissions, improve air quality and protect public health, he said.
