NA Panel Raises Concerns Over Inconsistent Climate Ministry Data

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination has raised concerns over inconsistencies and errors in data presented by the Climate Change Ministry in briefing documents submitted to the committee.

 

The committee, chaired by Munaza Hassan, reviewed matters related to the Climate Change Ministry and Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) during its meeting in Islamabad.

 

The chairperson directed ministry officials to correct what she described as significant discrepancies in the data provided to the committee.

 

Pak-EPA officials told the committee that work was underway to establish air-quality monitoring systems. However, the committee stressed that the agency should focus on preventing pollution rather than relying solely on monitoring.

 

The panel also expressed concern over the inadequate implementation of the Air Quality Management Plan and sought a detailed report on water testing, applicable standards and laboratory performance for its next meeting.

 

Officials said Pak-EPA had imposed fines on individuals and organisations for violations of environmental laws and maintained surveillance systems for industrial monitoring. Dust levels were also being monitored through environmental impact assessments and initial environmental examinations.

 

Pak-EPA officials cited limited funding and staffing as major challenges, while noting that the agency was pursuing digitalisation to improve its operations.

 

The committee also directed the Climate Change Ministry to provide details of ministry and Pak-EPA employees currently serving in other government departments on deputation, along with the reasons for their appointments, at the next meeting.