Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination met on Monday to review Pakistan’s Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for 2026-27 and the country’s Electric Vehicle Policy. The Committee emphasized the need for regular ministerial engagement, with the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination assuring members of his availability for ongoing briefings.

According to the National Assembly of Pakistan, the Committee received updates on the Ministry’s PSDP priorities, which include new initiatives related to a botanical garden and air quality. The Ministry outlined completed projects such as the Pakistan Biosafety Clearing House and a water-quality initiative under the WASH programme. Discussion also covered regulatory decisions on genetically modified soybean and canola, with a focus on aligning with international standards. Concerns about water pollution in Islamabad were raised, with officials noting actions against illegal discharges and ongoing development of a sewage treatment facility at Korang Nullah.

The Ministries of Industries and Production, along with Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, provided a briefing on the Electric Vehicle Policy. The policy includes incentives for electric two- and three-wheelers and plans to expand charging infrastructure. Members sought details on charging station availability, vehicle affordability, and battery recycling. More than one hundred licensed charging stations have been approved, and new petrol stations in Islamabad will be required to include EV charging facilities.

The Committee recommended a comprehensive briefing on the policy framework for genetically modified organisms and biosafety, as well as details on laboratories certified for vehicle emissions testing. The meeting was attended by several members of the National Assembly and senior officers from relevant ministries and departments.