ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has urged the United Nations (UN) to impose a ‘global environment tax’ on countries responsible for excessive pollution.
Speaking at the Breathe Pakistan International Conference on Friday, Iqbal suggested that funds generated from this tax should support nations disproportionately affected by climate change, particularly those in the Global South. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to environmental sustainability, citing the Uraan Pakistan initiative as a key step toward climate resilience.
Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, addressing the conference via video link, stressed the need for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to climate adaptation. She highlighted Punjab’s climate challenges, including an 82% increase in water shortages in South Punjab due to low rainfall and a 1-18% decline in crop yields from rising temperatures. She announced Rs10 billion for smog mitigation and Rs100 billion for climate resilience projects across the province.
Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, described Pakistan’s climate crisis as a defining moment, requiring urgent action.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Yahya and other international representatives, including experts from UNEP, UNICEF, FAO, and UNIC, underscored the critical condition of the River Indus Basin, stressing the urgent need for restoration efforts.
Additionally, Aurangzeb revealed that Pakistan had formally requested dialogue with India and other regional nations to address cross-border air pollution.
Story by Kashif Abbasi
