December 19, 2025: Chairing the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman presided over a wide-ranging review of critical environmental failures, including the non-operational sewage treatment plants linked to Rawal Dam, escalating air pollution across provinces, and alarming deforestation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Chitral.
The committee examined institutional lapses allowing untreated sewage to contaminate Islamabad and Rawalpindi’s primary water source that is the Rawal Dam, deteriorating air quality driven by vehicular emissions, industrial activity and construction dust, and rapid degreening caused by illegal logging and exploitation of forest policies. Senator Rehman warned that these interconnected crises pose a direct threat to public health, climate resilience, and ecological security, and underscored that continued delays and fragmented responses would face strict parliamentary scrutiny.
During the committee meeting, it was revealed that tendering for three STPs for Rawal Dam has only just begun, despite repeated discussions over the last two years. Funds were never formally requested by CDA from the Planning Division. There is no parallel or interim arrangement to stop untreated sewage from entering Rawal Dam.
Senator Rehman expressed deep concern, stating that “Rawal Dam is the primary water source for Islamabad and Rawalpindi, yet it is turning into a cesspool of bacteria, posing risks of waterborne diseases including polio and other infections with 9 million gallons of sewage inundated on a daily basis.”
“This is the wealthiest civic authority in the country, yet it is failing to protect the drinking water of citizens. This is not negligence anymore — it is a public health emergency.”
Senator Rehman announced that a special meeting will be convened with MoCC&EC, CDA Chairman, and Planning Division. The CDA Chairman was directed to appear in the next committee meeting. Accountability will be fixed for delays in tendering and failure to seek funds.
The committee reviewed presentations of Sindh EPA and KPK EPA, with Industrial zones showing pollution spikes. Vehicular emissions contributing up to 58% in KPK and 23% in Sindh. Severe construction and road dust, particularly from mega projects.
Senator Rehman noted “Pollution is Pakistan’s biggest silent killer, yet mortality and morbidity data is missing from provincial submissions. Same air quality parameters must apply across all districts, without exception.”
She also questioned the credibility of pollution data where ground-based monitors are absent, and criticized flawed averaging methods that dilute daytime pollution levels.
Sindh EPA secretary noted that there were 558 brick kilns in Sindh, 189 Environmental Protection Orders issued, with prosecutions and penalties ongoing. Methane emissions highlighted as 23 times more potent than CO₂
Senator Rehman urged provinces to “Link methane reduction projects to carbon markets,bring bankable projects into the compliance carbon market. Moreover, ensure industries comply with Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAM).”
Senator Rehman expressed grave concern over rapid degreening in Chitral and KPK, pointing exploitation of the wood lot policy and rampant activity of the timber mafia,illegal logging continuing for decades.
She stressed that “Forests in KPK are the “jewel in the crown” and must be protected
Poor communities must be provided alternatives such as solar energy to reduce dependence on forests.The next committee agenda will focus exclusively on deforestation.”
Senator Rehman also directed NDMA, PMD, Flood Commission, and relevant ministries to meet urgently for development of a coordinated early warning system, replacing fragmented responses.
Concluding the meeting, Senator Sherry Rehman stated that Pakistan cannot build resilience without clean drinking water, clean air, and protected forests. She reaffirmed that public institutions must be held accountable for prolonged inaction and reiterated that safeguarding citizens’ health and natural resources remains a fundamental responsibility of the state.
The meeting was attended by Senator Waqar Mehdi, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, Senator Naseema Ehsan, Senator Quratulain Marri and Senator Sarmad Ali on Zoom. Also in attendance were officials from MoCC&EC, Sindh EPA, KPK EPA, Chitral EPA and CDA
