ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal government has announced plans to establish a $10 million fund to support startups developing solutions to air pollution.
Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik announced the initiative at the Pakistan National Clean Air Conference in Islamabad on Wednesday.
According to the government’s Press Information Department, the fund will be financed from domestic resources, with approval of its governing board expected on October 29.
Malik estimated that air pollution imposes an economic burden equivalent to 6.5% of Pakistan’s gross domestic product. However, the government statement did not explain how the figure was calculated.
The proposed fund is intended to encourage technological solutions to air pollution. However, the government has not yet announced eligibility criteria, application procedures or details of how financing will be distributed.
The announcement comes as Pakistan faces recurring air-quality problems, particularly during the winter smog season.
Further details are expected on the fund’s governance, implementation timetable and the types of startups eligible for support.