Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change on Monday recommended imposing complete ban on Polythene Bags in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Chairman of the Committee Senator Yousuf Badini while presiding over the meeting said that issue of preventing cutting down trees, declining water reservoirs and de-silting of dams should be focused. He said rapid cutting of trees is leaving an adverse impact on climate.
He said that subsidy should be given on LPG cylinders and suggested to commence an awareness campaign for inculcating awareness about Environmental Pollution and Climate Change through state-run TV channel Pakistan Television (PTV). Among others the meeting was attended by senators Sitara Ayaz, Samina Abid, Gul Bushra, Federal Minister Zahid Hamid and Secretary Aarif Khan.
Federal Minister Zahid Hamid told the meeting that Pakistan informed at the Paris Conference that it had constituted a study commission, which will ascertain how much Green House Gas is produced in the country and how to reduce extra gas. He said because of developed countries the developing countries were being affected adversely by the Green House Gases effect, adding that it is responsibility of all to play their role in this regard.
The conference was also apprised of annual floods and losses caused by other natural disasters and sacrifices made in this regard. Pakistan now falls at number eight of affected countries while previously it was at number ten. Floods, Melting Glaciers and raising sea level in are producing negative impacts, he said. "Prime Minister has directed to increase the area for the forests and the provinces are being consulted in this regard. After approval of National Climate Change Policy, practical steps would be taken," he said.
Senator Satara Ayaz recommend that soft drinks companies to impose ban on plastic bottles. Senator Samina Abid said that in sector I-8 and I-9 of Islamabad, plastic bags were being manufactured in factories and homes and recommended to impose ban on manufacture and sale of plastic bags.
Director Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ziaul Islam informed the committee members that four parties have been registered for the purpose whereas manufacturing material comes from other provinces, adding export and import of material used in preparation of plastic bags is almost equal. On this, the committee chairman commented that the capital should be made plastic free like Islamabad Traffic Police. Federal Minister Zahid Hamid informed that subject relating to environment and climate has been included in course of every university.
Secretary of the ministry Arif Khan informed the committee that they had written letters four to six times to provinces for inclusion of said subjects and two provinces have prepared course whereas Beacon, City and Root school systems have so far not responded to our letters. The chairman of the committee said fire wood was not used in houses of students studying in these academic institutes. He said there was a need of creating awareness in the public sector schools. Environmental Amendment Bill 2015 was tabled before the committee by Senator Syed Mushahid Hussain, which was unanimously approved.
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