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FAISALABAD, Nov 21 (APP):Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) President Farooq Yousaf Sheikh has said that climate change is no longer a distant concern but an urgent reality, citing Pakistan’s recent experience with devastating floods, cloudbursts, and other unpredictable natural disasters.
Speaking to a delegation from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), he said that while Pakistan’s contribution to global climate change is minimal, at just 0.9%, the country has borne the brunt of its catastrophic effects.
“As the country faces the worst impacts of climate change, FCCI, as the apex trade body, is ready to play a proactive role in encouraging the industrial sector to voluntarily phase out the use of hazardous ingredients before they are globally banned,” said Sheikh.
He stressed the need to motivate all stakeholders, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector, to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprint. “We must take collective responsibility for mitigating the negative impacts of climate change,” he added.
Sheikh also lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, noting that FCCI would support the initiative by circulating awareness materials among its members and organizing a comprehensive seminar to engage the industry in saving the environment from further degradation caused by unsustainable human activities.
Addressing concerns about industrial contributions to environmental pollution, Sheikh acknowledged that while the industrial sector accounts for only 9% of smog production, it is often unfairly targeted by punitive measures. “It is essential that we adopt a balanced approach, recognizing both the challenges and the potential solutions,” he stated.
During the meeting, Mr. Yasir Arafat, Deputy Secretary of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, and Sajid Raza, National Project Coordinator for the “Reducing Uses and Release of Chemicals of Concern” project, outlined the objectives of their efforts to reduce hazardous chemicals in Pakistan’s textile sector.
The session concluded with a lively question-and-answer segment, where FCCI members actively engaged with the Ministry’s representatives. Waheed Khaliq Ramay delivered the vote of thanks.
To mark the 50th anniversary of FCCI, President Farooq Yousaf Sheikh honored the guests with special collar pins, and presented an FCCI shield to Mr. Yasir Arafat in recognition of his contribution to the climate change initiatives.
Dr. Muhammad Sarfraz and Rashid Ghuman were also present at the meeting.