ISLAMABAD: The environmentalists criticised the previous National Climate Change Policy, when the Environment Ministry presented it for expert opinion. They called it a ‘wish-list’ by the ministry of environment. Pakistan Today learnt on Tuesday.
After a cold-response from the experts on environmental issues, the ministry is set to present the policy again on December 28th for review after making some amendments.
While talking to Pakistan Today, Shakil Ahmed Ramay, head of Climate Change Study Center, SDPI, said the policy was a ‘toothless paperwork’ by the ministry as it promised no action plan for mitigation of adverse effects of climate changes on the country.
Ramay said in the policy’s draft, the ministry had only highlighted the general environmental issues that could affect Pakistan. “They overlooked adequate adaptation measures or resources required to counter climate changes,” he added.
He further said, “I would rather call it a ‘childish work’ as the only thing they did was to rephrase the ‘task-force report on climate change by planning commission’.”
He said, “Ministry of environment has not fulfilled its responsibilities professionally as in this national-level policy they have not even bothered to mention measure to tackle core climate change issues.”
“Pakistan will be affected by the impact far more seriously than is generally recognised by the policy makers and opinion leaders,” he said.
At present, Pakistan does not have a national policy or strategy on climate change although the ‘Pakistan Environmental Protection Act-1997’ is in place.
According to an official at ministry of environment, the ministry did not consult experts while drafting the policy. Federal secretary for Environment Ministry was not available for comment despite several attempts to call by this scribe.
