KARACHI: The South Asian Federation of Accountants (Safa) has presented a draft framework aimed at promoting environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards in public-sector entities across South Asia, as governments and institutions in the region face growing pressure to strengthen transparency and sustainability practices.
Zia ul Mustafa Awan, chairperson of Safa’s Public Sector Advisory Committee, presented the proposed “ESG Framework for Public Sector Entities in the South Asian Region” to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to a statement issued on Friday.
The framework, developed under Safa’s Public Sector Advisory Committee, seeks to promote sustainability, accountability and governance standards within public sector institutions across the region.
Speaking at the event, Awan described the initiative as a collective regional effort to strengthen institutional governance and responsible public sector practices in South Asia.
He also acknowledged contributions from committee members representing Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, as well as support from Safa’s leadership during the framework’s development.
According to the statement, the proposed framework outlines guidelines on environmental sustainability, social responsibility, governance structures, ESG reporting, assurance mechanisms and implementation roadmaps for public sector entities in South Asia.
