The Ministry of Climate Change has announced plans to phase out vehicles older than 15 years from the roads in Punjab. The move comes after it was revealed that 80% of climate-related problems in the country are caused by emissions from these old vehicles.
During a meeting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, which was chaired by Hina Rabbani Khar, the Secretary of Climate Change explained that a plan is being developed to tackle pollution. He said that the smoke from old vehicles contributes heavily to climate issues and that the country needs to take stronger actions to protect the environment.
The Chairperson, Hina Rabbani Khar, suggested that the Foreign Office should collaborate with universities in Islamabad on research related to climate change. She also mentioned that the Ministry of Climate Change had signed an agreement with a private university for this purpose.
The Additional Secretary agreed that working with universities is a good idea. He also highlighted that at COP 29, a $3 million agreement was made to help developing countries, although Russia did not participate due to the ongoing war. Talks are also taking place between Pakistan and South Korea about climate change agreements.
In her closing remarks, Hina Rabbani Khar emphasized that the world is now divided into developed and developing countries when it comes to climate diplomacy. She said that Pakistan should act as a bridge between both sides and play a positive role in addressing climate change.
