Public Community Hearing on Community-Driven Climate Action in Thatta
Venue: District Thatta, Sindh
Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – District Thatta, Sindh

In the heart of one of Sindh’s most climate-vulnerable regions, a significant gathering took place. Transparency International Pakistan joined hands with the Sindh Rural Support Program (SRSP) to host a Public Community Hearing in District Thatta. The goal was clear and powerful to ensure that the voices of local people are the foundation of transparent and accountable climate governance.

The event opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, setting a thoughtful tone for the day. Tariq Korea, Program Manager, SRSP highlighted the undeniable strength of communities when they unite for local action, a force he believes is essential for robust climate governance.

Nasreen Memon, Project Coordinator, TI Pakistan, then introduced the Climate Governance Integrity Program and the Legal Advice Centre. She painted a picture of how these initiatives are designed to empower people by giving them better access to justice, and raising awareness.

Kashif Ali, Executive Director, TI Pakistan, set the stage with his opening remarks. “Climate justice cannot be achieved without the active participation of citizens and a government that operates in the open,” he stated. He explained that citizens are not merely recipients of aid but are crucial partners in crafting fair and effective climate policies. He pointed out that the heaviest burden of climate change falls on small farmers, coastal communities, and the poor. He suggested that a collective approach where government, civil society, and citizens is needed where climate action is open and shaped by those who live with its effects every day.

Following this, Raima Mahmood, Research and Policy Coordinator, TI Pakistan, took the floor to demystify the Sindh Climate Change Policy 2022 and its Action Plan. She outlined its vision for a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future. She left no doubt that for these plans to have any real meaning, community participation and public accountability were non-negotiable, framing climate governance as a shared duty between the people and their government.

Residents from Thatta and surrounding districts stood to share their direct experiences with flooding, sea intrusion, devastating heatwaves, and crop loss. Their stories were a sobering reminder that effective climate policies must be rooted in the real-world needs of those most affected.

n a session led by Mr. Waheed Zour, District Manager at SAFCO Support Foundation, the community explored practical strategies for disaster preparedness and adaptation They discussed how local action plans and early warning systems are not just concepts but vital tools that can reduce risks and save lives. Mr. Zour inspired attendees to step up as leaders within their own communities, fostering a spirit of cooperation and readiness to build local resilience.

In an insightful segment, Mr. Kashif Ali, ED TI Pakistan explained a powerful tool for social accountability the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act 2016. He illustrated how citizens can use RTI to request government data on climate projects, budgets, and reports. This access, he explained, allows communities to become watchdogs, monitoring how funds are spent and questioning delays or mismanagement. He encouraged everyone to see RTI not just as a legal right, but as a practical means to participate in climate decision-making.

The event provided a direct line to local authorities when Mr. Ghulam Dastagir Shaikh, the Additional Deputy Commissioner for Relief in Thatta, took the stage. He listened as participants voiced concerns over delayed relief, a lack of coordination, and the need for more inclusive disaster response. Mr. Shaikh welcomed this feedback, assuring the community that the district administration is committed to improving coordination and weaving their perspectives directly into future plans.

Participants pledged to keep the dialogue alive, to strengthen local monitoring, to insist that community voices are included in planning, and to spread awareness about tools like RTI. There was a sense of enthusiasm for a continued partnership, all working towards a single goal to build a climate future for Sindh that is both resilient and inclusive for all.