ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Wednesday approved the proposed PSDP projects, highlighting the need for transparent implementation, enhanced monitoring mechanisms, and strengthened institutional capacity.

Deliberations were held when the standing committee on Climate Change convened to review budgetary proposals for the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) 2025-26 for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and its affiliated departments.

Chaired by Munaza Hassan, the meeting focused on assessing ongoing and proposed climate projects, including the Pakistan Bio-Safety Clearing House, National Biodiversity Conservation Project, Climate Resilient Urban Human Settlements Unit, and Marine Biodiversity Governance Initiative. The committee scrutinized their financial viability, implementation timelines, and environmental impact.

Among key discussions, the Bio-safety Project, which ensured compliance with global bio-safety protocols concerning genetic modifications, was thoroughly examined. The Biodiversity Conservation Project was evaluated for its alignment with Pakistan’s obligations under the UN Marine Biodiversity Treaty, covering territorial waters and international jurisdictions. Emphasizing inter-agency coordination, the committee underscored the necessity of integrating marine biodiversity governance with global conservation frameworks.

Following extensive deliberations, the committee approved the proposed PSDP projects, highlighting the need for transparent implementation, enhanced monitoring mechanisms, and strengthened institutional capacity. The Ministry was instructed to provide comprehensive details on climate adaptation training programs under the Climate Resilient Urban Human Settlements Unit.

Beyond PSDP considerations, the committee revisited previous recommendations on stubble burning and waste management.

Concerns were raised over ongoing violations, prompting calls for the motorway police to intensify enforcement measures and increase fines against illegal burning practices. It was decided that the Inspector General of Motorway Police would be summoned for a briefing in the next meeting to provide updates on enforcement actions. Additionally, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) was directed to submit a report on waste disposal methods, composting initiatives, and collaboration with nurseries.

The committee deferred discussion on The Pakistan Environmental Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (moved by MNA Nuzhat Sadiq,) until the next meeting. However, it unanimously approved The Climate Accountability Bill, of 2024, which aimed to prevent and mitigate climate change impacts within a sustainable development framework and establish minimum climate accountability standards for businesses.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2025