ISLAMABAD, Jun 20 (APP):Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf on Saturday met a delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to discuss measures for improving air quality and strengthening environmental protection in the federal capital. The ADB delegation included Principal Financial Sector Specialist Andrew C. McCartney and members of the bank’s urban development team, while relevant CDA officials also attended the meeting. According to a …
CDA, ADB discuss clean air plan for Islamabad
ISLAMABAD, Jun 20 (APP):Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf on Saturday met a delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to discuss measures for improving air quality and strengthening environmental protection in the federal capital.
The ADB delegation included Principal Financial Sector Specialist Andrew C. McCartney and members of the bank’s urban development team, while relevant CDA officials also attended the meeting.
According to a statement, the participants reviewed challenges related to air pollution in Islamabad and explored initiatives aimed at improving the city’s environmental conditions.
Sohail Ashraf said environmental protection and the reduction of air pollution were among the CDA’s top priorities. He said efforts were underway to preserve the capital’s green cover through policy measures and environmentally sustainable initiatives.
The meeting was informed that under ADB’s Clean Air Finance and Emission Reduction Sector Development Programme, Islamabad would be developed as a model city for pilot projects and modern interventions designed to improve air quality.
The programme aims to support policy, financial and administrative reforms required to address air pollution at the national level.
Officials said the National Clean Air Policy focuses on key pollution sources, including transport, industry, municipal waste burning, household use of solid fuels and agricultural residue burning.
A clean air plan for Islamabad will be prepared and implemented with technical assistance from the ADB.
The meeting was also informed that a modern air quality monitoring network would be established in the capital to provide real-time data on air quality.
In addition, initiatives related to green financing and carbon credits are expected to be introduced, while efforts will be made to improve access to long-term green finance through concessional refinancing and guarantee mechanisms.
The participants expressed the hope that cooperation between the CDA and ADB would help improve Islamabad’s air quality and support long-term environmental sustainability.
