- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (APP):Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal informed the National Assembly on Thursday that the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) is the lead federal entity responsible for coordinating and implementing the country’s climate change policies, national frameworks, and international commitments.
She said the Ministry has played a key role in formulating major national strategies, including Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, the National Hazardous Waste Management Policy, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and the National Clean Air Policy.
Dr Shezra highlighted that while Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of emissions and environmental projects remains a challenge, efforts are underway to strengthen provincial and sectoral coordination mechanisms. “We have constituted various committees to improve inter-provincial coordination on climate initiatives, particularly regarding air quality management,” she added.
Referring to deteriorating air quality in parts of Punjab, especially Lahore, the Minister stated that the government has intensified its mitigation and adaptation efforts. “The improvement of air quality is not a one-time project but a continuous process,” she remarked, adding that multiple initiatives under the Green Pakistan Programme and the Prime Minister’s afforestation drive are ongoing across the country.
She informed the House that Pakistan has so far received USD 34 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and additional financing through GEF and other global partners. “Our international partners, including the World Bank, WWF, and JS Bank, are actively supporting Pakistan’s climate resilience efforts,” she said.
Dr Shezra further noted that Pakistan remains committed to reducing carbon emissions by 50% under its updated NDCs. She reminded members that the devastating 2022 floods, which caused over USD 30 billion in losses and affected 33 million people, underscored the urgency of investing in adaptation and mitigation measures.
“The impact of climate change is ongoing, but so is our resolve to combat it,” the Minister asserted. She said tree plantation drives, green growth projects, and emission-reduction programs are continuing across the country as part of the government’s long-term environmental vision.
Concluding her remarks, Dr Shezra emphasized that Pakistan’s climate policy is being continually updated in consultation with stakeholders to ensure resilience, sustainability, and global alignment with the nation’s climate goals.