The Environmental Change Committee has recommended establishing an effective system for regular emissions testing of motor vehicles in Islamabad, directing the update of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 and its schedule in accordance with modern requirements and international agreements.

Islamabad (Izhaar Khan Niazi) – The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Relations held a meeting chaired by Chairperson Muneeza Hassan in the constitutional room of the Parliament House, where the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Relations and the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency provided briefings on the agency’s legal mandate, capacity, and implementation of environmental laws. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency informed the committee that the national environmental report, last published in 2016, is currently being prepared for the past five years, and a series of consultative meetings have been ongoing for a year, with the report expected to be published by December 15, 2026. The chairperson expressed concerns over discrepancies in the statistics presented in the briefing papers. Regarding environmental pollution, particularly air pollution prevention, the committee stated that mere monitoring is not sufficient, and practical measures are necessary to combat pollution. Officials reported that efforts are being made to control pollution from transportation, and work is also ongoing with the CDA to initiate an electric bus system in Islamabad. The chairperson requested details about the short-term measures of the Air Quality Management Plan presented in the last meeting, expressing concerns that effective implementation of the plan is lacking. The committee also recommended launching a social media campaign to encourage carpooling among ministry and agency employees. Regarding the monitoring of diesel engine commercial transport, officials reported that 50 vehicles were inspected, of which 11 were fined. The committee asserted that there should be regular inspections instead of just random checks, and a regular testing system for vehicle emissions should be established in the Islamabad Capital Territory. The committee was informed that the agency is following the regulations from 2010 concerning national environmental standards, which align with the environmental standards of other countries in the region. The committee also requested a report on water testing, environmental standards, and laboratory performance, along with a proposal for visits to environmental laboratories. Regarding the implementation of environmental laws, officials stated that fines are imposed by both the agency and the tribunal, and there is a surveillance and monitoring system for industrial oversight, while dust monitoring is also conducted under the requirements for environmental impact assessments and initial environmental examinations. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency informed the committee that the agency is facing a shortage of financial resources and manpower, and progress is ongoing towards digitizing operations. The committee also recommended providing details of employees on deputation in the ministry and agency, along with reasons for each appointment. Concerns were raised about the ministry’s very limited presence on social media, and it was recommended to enhance its effectiveness. The meeting also recommended a comprehensive review of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 to update it according to current requirements, make necessary amendments regarding international environmental agreements in the law’s schedule, and invite members of the Pakistan Climate Change Authority to the next meeting. A detailed briefing from the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board regarding the protection and management of Margalla Hills National Park and other protected areas in Islamabad was postponed due to the absence of the board’s chairman. Members of the National Assembly, including Mir Khan Muhammad Jamali, Shaista Parvez, Syeda Shehla Raza, Musarat Rafiq Mehsar, Dr. Shazia Thobia Aslam Soomro, Rana Ansar, Tamkeen Akhtar Niazi, Shahida Rahmani, Tahira Aurangzeb, and Muhammad Usman Badini, along with the Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Relations and other senior officials, attended the meeting.