Pakistan's path to sustainability: Advancements in cleaner production, a circular economy, and climate-smart solutions

First paragraph: Pakistan is at a critical juncture in its sustainability journey, a moment characterized by diverse land­scapes and resilient communities. This commentary explores the multifaceted approach necessary to tackle the nation’s environmental, economic, and societal challenges within the framework of cleaner production, a circular economy, and climate-smart solutions. Environmental issues loom large, with rising air and water pollution, land degradation, and the increasing threat of climate change. To combat these challenges, adopting cleaner production tech­nologies and circular economy practices across industries is imperative. Pakistan is embracing cir­cular principles to mitigate pollution, reduce waste, and enhance resource efficiency, particularly in the agricultural sector, where circular agriculture prac­tices are ensuring food security and sustainability. The circular economy is an economic model that aims to minimize waste and make the most effi­cient use of resources by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. It seeks to design out waste and pollution, regenerate natural systems, and transition toward renewable energy sources (Bourguignon, 2016). In Pakistan, the nation’s broad aspirations and goals regarding the circular economy are centered around sustaina­ble development and environmental stewardship. The government is committed to promoting prin­ciples of a circular economy to address environ­mental challenges, enhance resource efficiency, and promote economic growth. . . .