Climate change standing body unhappy over delayed promotions at Pak-EPA

The Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination convened on Wednesday to discuss key environmental challenges and reinforce federal-provincial collaboration. Chaired by Ms. Munaza Hassan, the meeting highlighted Pakistan’s upcoming participation in COP 29, environmental resilience initiatives, and the country’s role in global climate diplomacy.

A major point of contention during the meeting was the delay in the promotion of three Deputy Directors of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), despite clear directives from the tribunal. The committee expressed its dissatisfaction with the lack of action on this matter.

Ms. Munaza Hassan, responding to a complaint received by the committee, inquired of Ms. Farzana Altaf Shah, Director General of Pak-EPA, about the failure to promote the three Deputy Directors. Ms. Shah struggled to provide a satisfactory explanation, claiming that the complaints were initiated by a former employee involved in illegal activities, which had led to inquiries against him. However, the Chairman pressed for a direct response on why the promotions had not been implemented despite tribunal orders. Ms. Shah requested more time to review the matter and provide an update.

Sources revealed that the Deputy Directors awaiting promotion—Amir Abbas, Dr. Mohsina, and Khalid Mehmood—have yet to be promoted despite multiple tribunal and court rulings in their favor. It was also noted that three Director positions have been vacant for several years, yet the Director General remains hesitant to fill these roles.

In addition to addressing administrative issues, the Ministry of Climate Change briefed the committee on provincial efforts related to agriculture-water management, urban resilience, and disaster risk reduction. The committee stressed the need for stronger coordination between federal and provincial authorities to ensure effective climate action, particularly in areas like waste management and environmental protection.

The committee also discussed several national projects, including the Living Indus initiative and efforts to monitor glaciers. Members questioned the Ministry’s collaboration with provincial authorities to ensure comprehensive implementation of these initiatives. The Ministry reassured the committee that coordination with provinces is ongoing, with plans to strengthen this collaboration through the newly formed Pakistan Climate Change Authority.

The committee lauded Pakistan’s success in increasing its mangrove cover and the progress of the Green Pakistan Program, which has seen the planting of 2.2 billion trees. However, they called for detailed reports on tree plantation efforts and urged further action on critical issues such as lake conservation and disaster-prone areas.

As COP 29 approaches, the Ministry outlined plans to showcase Pakistan’s climate efforts on the global stage. These include a focus on climate justice, finance strategies, and renewable energy. The committee expressed a keen interest in the Ministry’s engagement with global stakeholders to highlight Pakistan’s leadership on climate justice and the energy transition.

The committee also reviewed the Pakistan Environmental Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2024, moved by Ms. Nuzhat Sadiq, MNA, and deferred it until the next meeting.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Tahira Aurangzeb, Aqeel Malik, Mir Khan Muhammad Jamali, Musarrat Asif Khawaja, Shaista Khan, Shaista Pervaiz, Syeda Shehla Raza, Shagufta Jumani, Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Rana Ansar, Sahibzada Sibghatullah, Shahzada Muhammad Gushtasap Khan, and Muhammad Usman Badini. Senior officers from the Ministry of Climate Change were also present.