The electric vehicle (EV) market in Pakistan faces a blend of challenges and opportunities as it transitions towards a more sustainable future. The transport sector, a significant consumer of carbon-intensive fuels (gasoline, diesel, CNG), contributes substantially to global GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions. In Pakistan, the shift to EVs is driven by the need to curtail the high cost of imported fossil fuels and the need to reduce carbon emissions. In this backdrop, this study conducts a market assessment of major challenges and opportunities that exist for EV uptake while also developing decarbonization pathways through scenario-based modeling using the Low Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP). Through a mixed-method approach, this study reveals that the key hurdles include the lack of charging infrastructure, the high costs of EVs, limited domestic production, and insufficient public awareness. Overcoming these challenges requires coordinated efforts in policymaking, infrastructure development, and public education. The successful adoption of EVs promises enhanced energy security, reduced environmental impacts, and economic benefits through decreased oil imports and lower operational costs.

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) remains a critical air pollutant with substantial public health risks, particularly in East Asia, where domestic emissions and transboundary transport contribute to elevated concentrations. This study examined the annual and seasonal variations of PM_2.5 and its chemical constituents at Baengnyeongdo Island, South Korea, from 2019 to 2021. The constituents analyzed included carbonaceous components (organic carbon [OC] and elemental carbon [EC]), major inorganic ions (sulfate [SO₄²⁻] and nitrate [NO₃⁻]), crustal elements (e.g., silicon [Si], calcium [Ca], iron [Fe], titanium [Ti]), and various other metallic species. The study also sought to identify potential sources of PM_2.5, with particular emphasis on transboundary influences. Results showed a significant increase in PM_2.5 levels in 2021 (spring mean: 32.657 µgm⁻³), attributed to the resumption of industrial activities following the COVID-19 lockdowns, specific meteorological conditions, such as higher spring relative humidity (74.91%) and increased aerosol water content (32.16 µgm⁻³), and significant transboundary pollution, particularly from China. Seasonal analysis indicated that OC, EC, NO3-, and crustal elements (Si, Ca, Fe, Ti) were the dominant contributors. For example, OC and EC peaked in spring and winter, which was associated with biomass burning, heating, and industrial emissions, which were enhanced by low winter temperatures. NO₃⁻ also exhibited significant winter peaks (5.921 µgm⁻³ in 2021), driven by conditions favoring NH₄NO₃ formation, while SO₄²⁻ levels, highest in 2019 (4.357 µgm⁻³), displayed a more moderate trend. Meteorological parameters, including aerosol water content, relative humidity, temperature, and wind patterns, play a major role in PM_2.5 formation, accumulation, and dispersion. Back-trajectory modeling consistently confirmed air mass transport from the heavily industrialized regions of China, Mongolia, and Russia during high-pollution episodes across all seasons. These findings underscore the complex interplay between local emissions, transboundary transport, and meteorological factors, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated international air quality management policies.

This study explores the multifaceted approach required to promote womens empowerment through micro-hydropower projects (MHPPs) in the northern regions of Pakistan. By integrating education, skill development, economic opportunities, healthcare access, community engagement, infrastructure development, and legal support, the research outlines how MHPPs can significantly enhance women’s socio-economic status. Using both quantitative data from surveys and qualitative insights from consultative discussions, the findings highlight the positive impacts and challenges faced by women. The results demonstrate the potential of MHPPs to empower women, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable development. The study emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive strategy that includes education, healthcare, and community engagement to maximize the benefits of MHPPs for women empowerment.

Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, poses a significant threat to China's environment, economy, and society. This review paper examines China's evolving response to this challenge. It explores China's international commitments, including the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060. Additionally, the paper analyzes domestic policies like the 1+N Climate Policy framework, the 14th Five-Year Plan (FYP) for Energy, and the National Emissions Trading Scheme. These policies highlight China's multi-pronged approach, focusing on GHG reduction and a comprehensive energy sector transformation. The paper emphasizes the importance of evaluating these policies for effectiveness and acknowledges the challenges China faces, such as balancing climate goals with economic growth. Ultimately, the paper argues that China's strategic approach signifies a growing recognition of the need for climate action. The success of this approach, coupled with continued advancements in clean energy technologies and international collaboration, will be paramount in achieving carbon neutrality and securing a sustainable future.

The cement industry is at the core of global economic and infrastructure development accounts, but it also accounts for 7% to 9% of total emitting CO₂ For Pakistan, it is a major consumer of coal, emitting 8.9 Mt of CO₂ annually, resulting in nearly 49% of the country’s coal While several strategic initiatives are being adopted to lower conventional fuel consumption in the cement sector such as an increased shift towards solar energy deployment, initiating the shift from coal to alternate materials, but a well-regulated alternative fuel policy framework across cement production processes remains a clear gap in the industry’s decarbonization efforts. Given this challenge, this study conducts a scenario-informed quantitative evaluation using the Low-Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP) to explore the decarbonization potential of fuel switching in Pakistan’s cement industry, aligning it with NDC, Net-zero, and energy transition targets. The results reveal that swapping out coal and petroleum coke for cleaner alternatives would be necessary for reducing emissions by 13.5 Mt under the NDC scenario and 17.1 Mt for net-zero by 2050. However, achieving these targets requires a well-defined policy framework, regulatory support for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) and Tire-Derived Fuel (TFD), building a sustainable biomass chain and quality control units, and capital investment in cleaner fuels.