PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet on Friday approved the Climate Action Board (CAB) Bill, 2025, for the establishment of a “financially independent body to coordinate and oversee climate strategies across government departments.”

The cabinet met with Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur in the chair here and members, chief secretary, additional chief secretaries, senior member board of revenue, administrative secretaries and advocate general in attendance.

Adviser to the chief minister on information Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif later told reporters that the CAB would be administratively and functionally independent and would develop, review, amend and oversee the execution of climate policies and action plans for the province.

“The CAB will conduct and maintain the provincial greenhouse gases inventories and establish emission baselines, and conduct, promote and oversee supervise research on mitigation, adaptation and climate finance.

“It will also coordinate and facilitate climate action activities across departments, mobilise financial resources for climate action, and establish, operate and maintain the dedicated climate action board fund,” he said.

CAB to develop, review climate policies, action plans

Mr Saif said that the proposed law allowed the board to appoint such officers, officials, experts, advisers and consultants, as it considered necessary, to assist the Secretariat in the discharge of its functions.

He said that the cabinet also approved a proposal to forward a provincial assembly resolution to the federal government against the repeated arrests of former MNA Ali Wazir.

The resolution reads, “This house expresses serious concern over the repeated arrests of former member of the National Assembly, Ali Wazir, the filing of frivolous and baseless cases against him, and his being subjected to continued political victimisation.

“Ali Wazir is currently gravely ill and is being denied his fundamental right to proper medical treatment. He is being transferred from one jail to another on different pretexts, which is not only worsening his physical and mental health but is also a clear violation of human rights and constitutional principles.”

Through the resolution, the KP assembly demanded that “Ali Wazir be released immediately and unconditionally. He was provided with adequate and quality medical facilities.

All politically motivated cases filed against him will be withdrawn. All political workers are granted the constitutional rights of freedom of expression and peaceful political activity.

The government and relevant institutions ensure the implementation of Article 10-A (Right to Fair Trial), Article 19 (Freedom of Expression), and Article 14 (Right to Dignity) of the Constitution.

Therefore, this Assembly recommends to the provincial government to urge the federal government to take immediate and positive action in light of humanitarian considerations, constitutional obligations, and democratic values.“

Mr Saif also said the cabinet also approved forwarding to the federal government the joint resolution adopted by the assembly on the issue of terrorism.

The resolution read, “The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been a victim of terrorism for several decades. During this time, thousands of innocent civilians and police personnel have laid down their lives. The people of the province are still yearning to be freed from this menace. The ongoing incidents of terrorism continue to pose a constant threat to the lives and property of the public.”

It added that the policy of the federal government concerning Afghanistan had proven to be ineffective.

“Instead of curbing terrorism, it has led to its escalation and has also strained the relations between the two countries and their peoples. It has further complicated the situation by promoting mutual hatred, affecting trade and deteriorating law and order,” it said.

The resolution called for immediate and concrete measures to restore trust between the two nations and to establish lasting peace in the region.

It recommended to the provincial government “to urge the federal government to reconsider and immediately revise its current policy regarding Afghanistan.

The assembly also called for the provincial government’s empowerment to “play an effective role in resolving all outstanding issues through direct and meaningful dialogue with Afghanistan so that lasting peace and stability in the region can be ensured.”

The cabinet also granted its consent to forward another assembly resolution to the federal government about Indian aggression against Pakistan.

The resolution said: “The House of (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly) expresses concerns over the Pahalgam incident and strongly condemns India’s hostile actions, including threats pertaining to the Indus Waters Treaty and acts of aggression against Pakistan. The House reaffirms its full support for the government of Pakistan’s sovereign right to safeguard national Interest through all necessary measures.”

It urged the international community to take immediate action against India’s violation of international obligation and play its role in preserving regional peace and stability. “This House stands united with the people and armed forces of Pakistan in defence of our homeland.” the resolution read.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2025