This report investigates how environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards can accelerate Pakistan’s shift to clean energy through CPEC renewables. Using desk research and a stakeholder workshop with SECP, SBP, Chinese enterprises and banks, the report maps Pakistan’s evolving ESG regulatory framework, identifies barriers such as low awareness, weak disclosure and limited bank capacity, and compares global practice in China, India, Bangladesh and the EU. It then proposes concrete measures – from ESG metrics and disclosure platforms to green banking reforms, carbon markets and renewable energy credits – to embed ESG in CPEC project planning, finance and monitoring as a driver of green transition.
