Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Climate Change and environmental protection voiced strong concerns over worsening environmental mismanagement, especially in Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), where commercial activities continue to pollute ecologically sensitive areas.
During a meeting chaired by MNA Ms. Munaza Hassan, officials from the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) revealed that 48 eateries and shops in the park produce over 576 kg of solid waste daily, with many lacking any formal disposal mechanism. Even more troubling, 27 establishments have no sewerage infrastructure, releasing untreated wastewater into natural reserves, including Rawal Lake.
Lawmakers condemned the absence of coordination between the Capital Development Authority (CDA), IWMB, and the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), warning that the lack of a joint enforcement mechanism threatens the region’s ecological stability. Despite CDA claims that park boundaries were clearly demarcated in 2023, committee members cited conflicting information and the lack of a unified management strategy. The Ministry of Climate Change noted that a zoning plan is being developed with WWF and IUCN.
Amid this broader environmental crisis, committee members turned their attention to the recent appointment of Mrs. Nazia Zaib as Director General of Pak-EPA. MNA Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro and MNA Syeda Shehla Raza questioned whether Zaib had the appropriate background for the role. In response, Ms. Zaib defended her qualifications, citing a Master’s degree in Plant Sciences and prior service in Inland Revenue, the exchange reflected deeper concerns over leadership credibility within the agency tasked with enforcing Pakistan’s environmental laws.
The committee further explored related environmental issues, including a briefing from the Dr Rana Imran Sikandar, Executive Director of PIMS Hospital, who detailed protocols for medical waste segregation and incineration. While PIMS processes 1,000 kg of waste daily, the volume exceeds capacity by 20%, requiring outsourcing to private firms. The committee member MNA Syeda Shehla Raza questioned how private clinics and labs handle their waste, with Pak-EPA stating that licensed handlers are responsible.
The session also revisited the regulation of electronic waste (e-waste). Lawmakers were alarmed to learn that no legal framework currently exists, despite Pakistan being a signatory to the Basel Convention since 1994. Members labeled the gap a “two-decade-long legislative failure.”
Attendees included MNA Musarrat Asif Khawaja, MNA Shaista Pervaiz, MNA Syeda Shehla Raza, MNA Shagufta Jumani, MNA Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, MNA Mir Khan Muhammad Jamali, MNA Ms. Rana Ansar, MNA Dr Shaista Khan Jadoon, MNA Sahibzada Sibghatullah, MNA Shahzada Muhammad Gushtasip, MNA Ms. Mussarrat Rafique Mahesar, MNA Ms. Nuzhat Sadiq, (Mover), Ayesha Nazir joining virtually, MoS climate change Dr.Shezra Mansab Ali Khan, and others officials of concern department, with Mrs. Ayesha Humera Ch.
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