ISLAMABAD: Senator Sherry Rehman, chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, expressed concerns over budget cuts to climate initiatives during a committee meeting at Parliament House. She emphasized the need for immediate monsoon preparedness and criticized the creation of additional bureaucratic structures that could hinder effective climate governance.
According to Senate of Pakistan, Senator Rehman highlighted the reduced allocations in the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the Climate Ministry, which now stands at Rs 2.478 billion. This marks a significant decrease from previous years, despite increasing climate risks. She questioned the effectiveness of the newly established Climate Authority, urging for better coordination rather than expanding bureaucratic layers.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) presented data forecasting intensified extreme weather events due to El Niño conditions. The NDMA Chairman, Inam Haider Malik, noted global and national temperature rises and projected increased erratic rainfall patterns, posing threats to water resources and agriculture. Senator Rehman underscored the importance of addressing these challenges through rainwater harvesting and improved water governance, raising concerns over regional water security and data transparency.
The committee also reviewed urban environmental issues, with Senator Rehman stressing the urgency of addressing waste management and water pollution in Islamabad. She criticized delays in sewage infrastructure projects, which impact public health and environmental sustainability. The committee was informed of ongoing technical evaluations for sewage treatment plants, though funding remains a challenge.
Senator Rehman advocated for comprehensive urban planning that considers social justice, urging the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to address the housing needs of low-income communities displaced by environmental management efforts. She emphasized that environmental restoration must go hand in hand with social equity, calling for a people-centered approach to urban development.