Karachi : 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 brings together expert insights, survey findings, and industry case studies to present a compelling case for businesses to accelerate adoption of sustainability practices and reporting. It comes as the country prepares to roll out IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (S1 and S2) from July 2025 – a move expected to reshape how ESG information is reported and evaluated by investors.
“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,” said Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA. “Finance professionals in Pakistan must now rise to this challenge.”
The report finds that 71% of surveyed businesses in Pakistan already disclose some form of ESG information, signalling early momentum. However, challenges around data quality, reporting consistency, and investor confidence remain. It highlights five key enablers for a green economy: policy coherence, investor readiness, reporting capability, assurance, and technology.
Javed Kureishi, CEO of PBC, added: “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.”
The report also features emerging case studies from Pakistan’s green bond market, ESG reporting historys, and examples of how companies can prepare for sustainability assurance and new reporting standards.
Key calls to action include:
• Fast-tracking implementation of IFRS S1 and S2
• Building capacity in ESG reporting and assurance
• Enhancing green finance instruments to support business transition
• Promoting integrated policy frameworks that align growth with climate goals
This publication builds on ACCA’s broader body of work supporting sustainable business and its commitment to developing the profession’s role in climate action.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
