Environment

The Anatomy of Agricultural Credit in Pakistan

by Jamil Nasir | Vol 21-2 (Apr/Jun 2026), Archive, Articles, Environment, Pakistan, South Asia

Agricultural credit is often presented as a driver of rural development, yet millions of Pakistan’s farmers remain excluded from formal financial systems. This article examines how collateral requirements, bureaucratic barriers, and institutional design have concentrated access to credit among landowners while pushing tenants and small farmers towards costly informal lending networks. By analysing the structural weaknesses of Pakistan’s agricultural finance system and drawing lessons from international experience, it presents a reform agenda aimed at promoting financial inclusion, agricultural productivity, and sustainable rural development.

A Million Ponds Across Pakistan: Low-Cost Green Solution to Supplement Water Storage

by Simi Kamal and Zarreen Baqir, Simi Kamal, Zarreen Baqir | Vol 19-3 (Jul/Sep 2024), Articles, Environment, Pakistan

With Pakistan facing increasing water scarcity due to climate change, this article advocates for a low-cost green solution: constructing a million ponds across the country. These water storage systems aim to provide sustainable development benefits by enhancing water availability, supporting agriculture, and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather patterns.

The Era of Hybrid Threat Environment: Ideological Foundation and Nationalism

by Ayesha Ishfaq | Vol 17-4 (Oct/Dec 2022), Articles, Environment

In the face of growing hybrid threats, Pakistan’s ideological foundation and national identity are more critical than ever. This article explores how strengthening national cohesion can help counter external and internal challenges, ensuring the country’s security and stability.

Pakistan’s Climate Agenda

by Ambassador (R) Shafqat Kakakhel | Vol 16-2 (Apr/Jun 2021), Articles, Environment, Pakistan

This article addresses Pakistan’s climate agenda, focusing on the country’s response to the environmental crisis. It explores Pakistan’s climate policy, the challenges of meeting global obligations, and the importance of sustainable development to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Assessing the Legal Authority of the National Water Policy, 2018

by Ahmad Rafay Alam | Vol 13-3 (Jul/Sep 2018), Articles, Environment, Pakistan

This article critically examines the legal authority behind Pakistan’s National Water Policy, 2018. It evaluates the framework’s effectiveness in addressing water management challenges and governance issues while discussing its implications for sustainability. The article underscores the importance of stronger regulatory measures to ensure proper implementation.

Climate Change: Perspectives, Priorities and Challenges

by Air Commodore (R) Khalid Iqbal | Vol 12-1 (Jan/Mar 2017), Articles, Environment, Pakistan

Climate change poses a severe threat to Pakistan, demanding immediate action through a comprehensive national strategy. This article explores global perspectives on the issue while focusing on the country’s specific environmental challenges. It emphasizes the need for prioritizing policies to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future.

Cotton Value Chain in Pakistan: A Preliminary Assessment of Climate Vulnerabilities

by Samavia Batool | Vol 12-1 (Jan/Mar 2017), Articles, Environment, Pakistan

Pakistan’s cotton value chain faces significant risks due to climate vulnerabilities, jeopardizing the country’s agricultural sector and economy. This article provides a preliminary assessment of these challenges, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change.

Land and Forest Governance in Swat

by Zubair Torwali | Vol 11-3 (Jul/Sep 2016), Articles, Environment, Pakistan

This article explores the challenges of land and forest governance in Swat and the overall region, focusing on the need for sustainable management and environmental protection. It examines the historical and legal frameworks that shape governance in the area, emphasizing the importance of reform for the region’s long-term ecological balance.

Apocalypse on the Indus

by Khalid Aziz | Vol 10-4 (Oct/Dec 2015), Articles, Environment, Pakistan

The article discusses the environmental crisis threatening the Indus River due to climate change and poor resource management. It highlights the urgent need for action to prevent worsening floods and droughts, which could jeopardize Pakistan’s water security and agriculture. Solutions for sustainable development and environmental reforms are critically needed to avert further disaster.

The Indus River Basin and Climate Change

by Ambassador (R) Shafqat Kakakhel | Vol 10-3 (Jul/Sep 2015), Articles, Environment, India, Pakistan

The Indus River Basin faces an imminent threat from climate change, with rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns jeopardizing water security for millions. This article underscores the need for sustainable water management and regional cooperation to protect the basin’s resources and ensure a stable future for South Asia.

Brussels Sprouts Look Green: The Story of a Foundation

by Toheed Ahmad | Vol 06-2 (Apr/Jun 2011), Articles, Environment

This article tells the inspiring story of a foundation using green initiatives to drive sustainability, symbolized by the metaphor of Brussels sprouts. It highlights how the foundation’s efforts are making a positive impact on environmental preservation and future sustainability.

Mountain & Glacier Response to Climate Change

by Aisha Khan | Vol 05-2 (Apr/Jun 2010), Articles, Environment

The effects of climate change are increasingly visible in the response of mountain glaciers, which are retreating at alarming rates due to global warming. This article highlights the environmental impact of glacier melt and its far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human life.

Cooperative Mechanism to Save Kashmir Environment and Water Wars

by Iftikhar Gilani | Vol 04-4 (Oct/Dec 2009), Articles, Environment, India, International Relations, Kashmir, Pakistan

This article highlights the need for a cooperative mechanism to safeguard the Kashmir environment from the looming threat of water wars. Political tensions are exacerbating the strain on the region’s water resources, and only through regional cooperation and sustainable water management can long-term solutions be found to protect the environment and secure the region’s future.

Meeting Pakistan’s Energy Needs

by Mukhtar Ahmad | Vol 03-1 (Jan/Mar 2008), Articles, Energy, Environment, Pakistan

This article addresses Pakistan’s energy crisis, discussing the country’s energy needs and the ongoing power shortages. It explores potential sustainable solutions to improve the nation’s energy infrastructure and secure a stable energy future.

Inaugural Note

by Criterion Quarterly | Vol 01-1 (Oct/Dec 2006), Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Comment, Culture, Economy, Education, Energy, Environment, Europe, Film & Media, Foreign Policy, Governance & Policy, India, International Relations, Iran, Iraq, Kashmir, Media, Middle East, Pakistan, Philosophy, Politics, Religion, Russia, Security/Terrorism, South Asia, Technology, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA

This inaugural note addresses Pakistan’s critical journey toward socio-political stability, emphasizing the importance of national development amidst economic challenges. With a global perspective, it discusses the urgent need for cohesive strategies that can bridge domestic and international aspirations, setting a hopeful tone for the country’s future.

Criterion Quarterly

The Anatomy of Agricultural Credit in Pakistan

A Million Ponds Across Pakistan: Low-Cost Green Solution to Supplement Water Storage

The Era of Hybrid Threat Environment: Ideological Foundation and Nationalism

Pakistan’s Climate Agenda

Assessing the Legal Authority of the National Water Policy, 2018

Climate Change: Perspectives, Priorities and Challenges

Cotton Value Chain in Pakistan: A Preliminary Assessment of Climate Vulnerabilities

Land and Forest Governance in Swat

Apocalypse on the Indus

The Indus River Basin and Climate Change

Brussels Sprouts Look Green: The Story of a Foundation

Mountain & Glacier Response to Climate Change

Cooperative Mechanism to Save Kashmir Environment and Water Wars

Meeting Pakistan’s Energy Needs

Inaugural Note

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