MUZAFFARABAD, Apr 01 (APP):A high-level meeting of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), chaired by Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, highlighted the urgency of adopting timely, coordinated, and effective measures to tackle the growing climate challenges facing the region. He stressed the need to prioritize environment-friendly policies, strengthen institutional performance, and ensure the protection of future generations through sustainable development initiatives. Prime Minister Rathore directed the …
AJK PM urges urgent mitigation measures to tackle climate change issues
MUZAFFARABAD, Apr 01 (APP):A high-level meeting of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), chaired by Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, highlighted the urgency of adopting timely, coordinated, and effective measures to tackle the growing climate challenges facing the region.
He stressed the need to prioritize environment-friendly policies, strengthen institutional performance, and ensure the protection of future generations through sustainable development initiatives.
Prime Minister Rathore directed the authorities concerned to finalize the framework for banning use of plastic (polythene) shopping bags at the earliest.
“A comprehensive public awareness campaign with a clear timeline must be launched to inform citizens in advance,” he remarked.
To ensure effective enforcement of environmental laws, he said that there was a dire need for strong coordination between the administration and the Environment Protection Agency .
He assured us that the government would provide all necessary resources for environmental protection.
He further directed that immediate steps be taken to prevent smog and reduce air pollution.
On this occasion, the EPA officials gave a comprehensive briefing to the prime minister on its overall performance under the Environment Protection Act 2000, including its institutional structure, legal framework, and ongoing projects.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the Design Support System, Sustainable Development Fund, State Environmental Quality Standards, and Environmental Guidelines.
Key projects highlighted included solid waste management, hospital waste management, air quality laboratories, vehicle emission testing, water quality labs, water source protection, and glacier retreat studies.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Kashmir Cause, Languages and Arts, Nabila Ayub, Principal Secretary Zafar Mahmood, Secretary P&A Aamir Latif, Director General Environment Protection Agency Chaudhry Shaukat, Director Environment Shafiq Abbasi, Deputy Director Environment Ali Saleem, Assistant Director Sehrish Munsif and others.
