World Bank Backs Punjab’s Entry into Carbon Market

The World Bank has invited Punjab to step onto the global carbon trading stage, praising Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz as a “climate warrior” and offering full support for her green agenda.

The World Bank has extended an invitation to the Punjab government to join the global carbon market, signalling a major nod of confidence in the province’s climate ambitions. The offer came during a meeting between Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Valerie Hickey, the World Bank’s Global Director for Climate Change, held on the side-lines of the COP30 Conference in Belem, Brazil.

In a statement following the meeting, the Bank commended Punjab’s environmental strides, describing Maryam Nawaz as a “climate change warrior and leader.” Hickey lauded Punjab’s ongoing efforts to tackle pollution, boost green cover, and modernize transport systems, noting that such programmes show “global leadership and commitment to sustainability.”

The World Bank also pledged technical and financial support for projects under Punjab’s “Clean Punjab” initiative, along with efforts to improve air quality, forestry, and wildlife protection. Joining the global carbon market, the Bank added, could unlock fresh funding streams through carbon credits and emissions-trading partnerships.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her vision of turning Punjab into an environmental trailblazer, saying the province “will not just follow global standards — it will set them.” Looks like Punjab’s going green—and globally ambitious.