By Business Reporter
LAHORE: Pakistan must act swiftly to embed sustainability into its economic model to fully leverage global trade, investment, and growth opportunities, according to a new report by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and the Pakistan Business Council (PBC).
Titled “Building a Case for Green Business in Pakistan,” the report combines expert insights, survey findings, and industry case studies to urge businesses to accelerate adoption of sustainability practices and reporting.
The release comes as the country prepares to roll out IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (S1 and S2) in July 2025 – a shift expected to reshape how ESG information is reported and evaluated by investors.
Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA, stressed: “The accountancy profession has a central role to play in driving the transition to more sustainable businesses and economies — building trust and transparency through effective, credible reporting. Finance professionals in Pakistan must now rise to this challenge.”
The report reveals that 71% of surveyed businesses in Pakistan already disclose some form of ESG information, showing early momentum. However, challenges persist around data quality, reporting consistency, and investor confidence.
It identifies five key enablers for a green economy: policy coherence, investor readiness, reporting capability, assurance, and technology.
Javed Kureishi, CEO of PBC, noted: “A just and inclusive green transition is possible, but it requires shared responsibility. We must work together – businesses, government, and the finance profession – to unlock green capital and future-proof our industries.”
Emerging case studies from Pakistan’s green bond market, ESG reporting history, and sustainability assurance practices also feature in the publication.
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