Protestors Demand Climate Justice Ahead of COP29

1. TOBA TEK SINGH: Hundreds of protestors took to the streets in Toba Tek Singh on Friday, demanding urgent government action to combat smog and pollution in Punjab. The rally, organized by the Pakistan Brick-Kiln Workers Union in collaboration with the Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee, highlighted the need for a permanent ban on coal and an end to fossil fuel expansion.

The march, which began at Chungi Gojra Road and culminated at Shahbaz Chowk before ending at the Press Club, called on Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to prioritize renewable energy and address the root causes of environmental degradation.

Farooq Tariq, General Secretary of the Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee, emphasized the responsibility of developed nations in addressing the climate crisis. “We call for a rapid and equitable phaseout of fossil fuels and a direct transition to 100 percent renewable energy. Developed countries, with their historical emissions, must fund this transition and help nations like Pakistan combat smog and pollution. They have the resources to mobilize trillions of dollars by ending fossil fuel subsidies, taxing the mega-rich, and halting militaristic spending,” he said.

Mohammad Shabbir, General Secretary of the Brick-Kiln Workers Union, criticized Pakistan’s increasing reliance on coal despite a coal moratorium. “It is unacceptable that in the face of an intensifying climate crisis, Pakistan has increased coal’s share in the electricity mix. We have untapped potential in renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Instead of expanding coal and greenlighting new gas projects, the government should focus on renewable energy to reduce smog and pollution,” he stated.

The protest comes at a time when Pakistan’s dependence on coal is growing, with the government signaling a potential return to local lignite coal from the Thar region to offset the rising cost of imported coal. Environmentalists have expressed alarm over this trend, warning that continued fossil fuel reliance will worsen air quality and hinder climate commitments.

The mobilization in Toba Tek Singh serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency of the climate crisis as Pakistan prepares for COP29, where global leaders will convene to address climate action. Protestors called for the government to demonstrate leadership by committing to sustainable energy solutions and ensuring clean air for its citizens.