Pakistan must act quickly to integrate sustainability into its economic model or risk losing out on global trade, investment, and growth opportunities, warns a new report released by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Pakistan Business Council (PBC).
The report, Building a Case for Green Business in Pakistan, highlights expert insights, survey findings, and industry case studies to make a strong case for businesses to accelerate their adoption of sustainability practices. The release comes as Pakistan prepares to implement IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (S1 and S2) from July 2025, a move expected to reshape how ESG data is reported and evaluated by global investors.
Helen Brand, Chief Executive of ACCA, said finance professionals have a critical role to play in building trust through effective and credible sustainability reporting. “Finance professionals in Pakistan must now rise to this challenge,” she noted.
Survey findings show that 71% of businesses in Pakistan already disclose some form of ESG information, showing early momentum. However, challenges around data quality, reporting consistency, and investor confidence remain. The report stresses five enablers for a green economy: policy coherence, investor readiness, reporting capability, assurance, and technology.
Javed Kureishi, CEO of PBC, emphasized that a just and inclusive green transition is possible only through shared responsibility. “Businesses, government, and the finance profession must work together to unlock green capital and future-proof our industries,” he said.
The report also showcases emerging examples from Pakistan’s green bond market, ESG reporting history, and how companies can prepare for sustainability assurance under new reporting standards. Key recommendations include fast-tracking IFRS S1 and S2 implementation, enhancing ESG reporting and assurance capabilities, expanding green finance instruments, and aligning economic growth with climate goals through integrated policy frameworks.
This publication builds on ACCA’s global work in supporting sustainable business and highlights Pakistan’s urgent need to accelerate its green transition to stay competitive.
