Smog, emissions drive call for stronger policy action

January 20, 2025 (MLN): The increasing vehicular emissions, escalating smog, and growing health concerns have led Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar to urge stronger policy enforcement and the implementation of effective measures to combat pollution.

Chairing a meeting of the National Climate Change Policy Implementation Committee (NCCPIC), the minister emphasized that smog has become a serious environmental and public health concern.

It affects millions of lives each year, causes billions in economic losses, and disrupts road and air traffic, according to the press release.

He stressed the need for immediate and impactful actions by all relevant government organizations to reduce the sources of smog and air pollution.

Climate Change Secretary Aisha Humera Moriani provided updates on the implementation of the National Climate Change Policy 2021.

She also highlighted the progress of federal and provincial climate action plans aimed at addressing the adverse impacts of climate change across various sectors.

As of 2025, the Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Ministry, in close partnership with provincial governments and other stakeholders, has made significant progress in policy implementation and practical interventions to combat climate change.

These efforts align with the global climate goals set under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

She also mentioned that efforts have been ramped up to expand the renewable energy base in the country, with substantial investments in solar, wind, and hydropower projects.

The government's goal to achieve a 30% share of renewables in the energy mix by 2030 is well on track, with new projects coming online and policy frameworks that encourage public-private partnerships for the implementation of various green initiatives.

The secretary also noted that the manufacturing and use of electric vehicles, especially two-wheelers and three-wheelers, is gaining momentum.

She emphasized that the government is offering attractive incentives, including tax exemptions and reduced customs duties for EV manufacturers and importers.

These measures aim to mitigate the growing carbon emissions from the transport sector.

Representatives from various relevant federal and provincial organizations, including the Ministry of Industries and Production, the Ministry of Energy, and the National Highway and Motorway Police, held a meeting to address the issue of air quality.

The meeting also involved federal and provincial environmental protection agencies, who participated in the discussions.

During the meeting, provincial transport and mass transit departments, as well as authorities, also participated in the discussions.

All parties unanimously agreed that the adoption of mandatory vehicle emission standards is essential to control the worsening air quality issue.

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