Heavier Rains Loom, Ministry Criticized for Inaction

News Desk

Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination has sharply criticized the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination for delayed and inadequate submissions of briefing materials, raising questions about the Ministry’s capacity to support Parliament in exercising effective oversight.

In a meeting attended by MNAs including Mir Khan Muhammad Jamali, Tahira Aurangzeb, Shaista Khan, Syeda Shehla Raza, Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, and other lawmakers, the Committee highlighted forecasts indicating 22 percent heavier monsoon rains next year.

Members expressed deep concern over weak coordination between Federal and Provincial authorities in disaster management and urged urgent attention to erosion-prone areas such as Layyah. They also called for a probe into rampant deforestation by timber mafias in KP, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

On the issue of vehicle emissions testing, the Committee expressed “grave dissatisfaction” with the lack of planning, methodology, and inter-agency coordination in the current regime.

It demanded that no emissions testing proceed without full involvement of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) and directed the Ministry to present a comprehensive strategy based on global best practices at the next meeting.

While acknowledging progress on the draft E-Waste Regulations, members stressed that challenges including lithium-ion battery disposal, hospital waste management, and plastic pollution remain unaddressed.

The Committee recommended the inclusion of independent experts in the working group on e-waste management and urged the Ministry to engage the private sector in developing sustainable disposal and recycling solutions.

Members also suggested piloting innovative initiatives such as plastic bottle collection machines in Islamabad, modeled on successful international practices.

The Committee further called for an increase in the Ministry and Pak-EPA’s budget and institutional capacity, expedited implementation of initiatives such as urban forests, sponge cities, and rainwater harvesting, and greater transparency regarding follow-ups on the Minister’s foreign visits.

Officials from the Ministry, Pak-EPA, ICT Administration, and CDA attended the session alongside lawmakers, highlighting persistent gaps in inter-agency coordination and strategic planning.