‘Pollution Serial Killer in Pakistan’

APP

Islamabad: Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Senator Sherry Rehman, called pollution a “serial killer” in Pakistan during her address at the ‘Pioneering Solutions for Climate Resilience’ session at the 27th Sustainable Development Conference (SDC).

The event was organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change.

Senator Rehman underscored the importance of measures like regular engine tuning to curb smog and commended the SDPI for its commitment to sustainability, congratulating recipients of the Sustainability Awards.

She also criticized mainstream media for insufficient coverage of climate issues, noting that “media is treating climate as a disaster tool” and urged for a dedicated journalist category in the awards to recognize those prioritizing climate reporting.

Rehman highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, noting its ranking as the fifth-most vulnerable country, though she suggested the risk could be higher due to a lack of climate preparedness among citizens.

She also raised concerns about water conservation, pointing out that Pakistan’s high per capita water usage exacerbates the waste of this “finite, precious” resource.

She cited the dumping of untreated sewage into Rawal Dam, a primary water source for Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as a critical issue.

The session concluded with Rehman inaugurating the 2nd Sustainability Investment Expo 2024.