Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination convened to address pressing issues surrounding climate governance, with a specific focus on inter-agency coordination and enforcement measures. The meeting, chaired by Ms. Munaza Hassan, highlighted significant concerns over the absence of key leaders from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) during crucial briefings, impacting discussions on environmental management strategies.

A primary concern was the absence of both the Chairman and the Member (Environment) from the CDA, which led to the deferral of a briefing on the authority’s waste disposal and solid waste management strategies. The committee emphasized the necessity of CDA leadership at future meetings to ensure effective coordination and accountability in urban environmental governance.

The committee also reviewed previous recommendations for the Climate Resilient Urban Human Settlements Unit, questioning the selection criteria for trainees and representation from regions such as AJK, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Additionally, discussions touched on ongoing initiatives like rainwater harvesting in Karachi and glacier preservation efforts.

The Inspector General of Motorway provided updates on anti-burning enforcement, revealing that 17 FIRs have been lodged and over 53,957 farmers briefed on the issue. However, challenges persist due to investigative powers for stubble burning remaining with provincial authorities, complicating enforcement efforts. The committee urged stronger inter-agency coordination to ensure the effective application of penalties.

Further discussions addressed delays in expert recruitment for the Integrated Waste Management Board (IWMB) and issues related to urban renovation, particularly in areas vacated by restaurants. Concerns were also raised about the Pakistan Climate Change Authority and water issues affecting the Recharge Pakistan project, with plans for a dedicated meeting on water challenges in the next session.

The meeting saw the participation of several Members of the National Assembly, including Mir Khan Muhammad Jamali, Ms. Musarrat Asif Khawaja, Ms. Shaista Khan, and others, both in person and virtually.