Karachi, The Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, chaired by Senator Seemee Ezdi, convened today at Parliament House to address the pressing issue of fog in various cities of Punjab and discuss ongoing climate change initiatives. The meeting highlighted the need for effective action and policy implementation to combat environmental challenges.
According to Senate of Pakistan, officers from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination briefed the committee on the factors contributing to air pollution in Punjab’s cities, particularly focusing on traffic pollution. They discussed the legal and institutional framework in place for smog prevention and control, acknowledging weaknesses in monitoring and enforcement. The Ministry’s forward strategy includes strengthening field officers, drone surveillance, and the implementation of the ECO Watch Android app for tracking pollution.
The committee chairperson, Senator Seemee Ezdi, expressed concerns that, despite these measures, fog persists in the region, indicating potential flaws in implementation. It was noted that local pollutants like transport and fugitive dust are major contributors to environmental degradation, while industrial pollution has decreased. Senator Dr. Mohammad Humayun Mohmand called for a reassessment of Air Quality Index monitoring, while Senator Taj Haider suggested a clear transportation policy to mitigate pollution.
The committee also addressed a complaint against Seraph Pharmaceutical Islamabad for contributing to pollution. Legal action was initiated, but the industry was sealed by ICT before the company could address the issue. The Ministry plans to resume legal action once the company is operational.
The Secretary of the Ministry briefed the committee on COP28, highlighting Pakistan’s role in the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund under the World Bank. Pakistan was also nominated to the Santiago Network Board during COP28. Climate change financing priorities for mitigation and adaptation were discussed, along with the inclusion of ocean and coastal systems-based mitigation in the Global Stocktake of COP28.
The committee members commended the participation of minorities, youth, and women in COP28 and praised Pakistan’s stance on economic growth and development, transparency in climate finance, and the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund. Senator Seemee Ezdi highlighted the success of the Mangroves Alliance for Climate, noting a 300% increase in Sindh’s mangrove population since 1990. The Ministry is also focusing on establishing the Pakistan Climate Change Authority and a COP Cell within the Ministry.
The meeting was attended by Senators Abida Muhammad Azeem, Taj Haider, Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Dr. Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, the Secretary of the Ministry, the Chairman of the Federal Flood Commission, and other senior officials, demonstrating a united front in tackling climate change challenges.