Islamabad: Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, emphasized the critical need for cities to become environmentally sustainable to achieve broader green economy goals during a meeting with Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa on October 3, 2024. The discussion focused on strategies to make Islamabad a model city for environmental sustainability amidst increasing climate risks such as heatwaves and urban flooding.
According to Press Information Department, Ms. Alam outlined the severe impact of climate change on Pakistan’s major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. She stressed the importance of adopting climate-resilient urbanization policies that address immediate environmental challenges while promoting long-term sustainability and quality of life. The Coordinator highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive approach that involves community engagement, infrastructure development, and the implementation of relevant policies to make cities climate-resilient.
The meeting included detailed presentations on various projects aimed at enhancing Islamabad’s environmental health, urban planning, and renewable energy initiatives. These projects are part of a larger effort to transform Islamabad into a smart city with robust climate adaptation strategies.
Key initiatives discussed include the development of an extensive bicycle route network to encourage sustainable commuting and an afforestation project covering 700 acres near Baharakahu. Additionally, efforts to increase the city’s green cover, including the strategic relocation of paper mulberry trees to combat pollen allergies, were outlined.
Ms. Alam also proposed the revamping of parks to improve recreational spaces and align with environmental goals such as increased tree planting and biodiversity promotion within urban areas. The meeting concluded with a commitment from both the Climate Ministry and the CDA to collaborate closely on these initiatives, underscoring the importance of integrated efforts to reduce climate impacts and enhance the living conditions in urban settings.