PESHAWAR: (Roshan Khan) Pakistan The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and World Bank have reinstated their commitment to address the problem of air pollution as well as to implement a complete Smog Action Plan, at a high-level consultative video-linked meeting.
The provincial group was headed by the Secretary of Climate Change, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Junaid Khan, but included Special Secretary Talha Hussain Faisal, the Additional Secretary Ahmed Kamal, the Provincial Assembly member Ahmed Karim Kundi and senior personnel of the Environmental Protection Department. The technical team of the world bank attended.
World Bank specialist Shafiq pointed out the significance of an airdrome-based strategy, pointing out that air pollution is indifferent to administrative boundaries. The smoke and particulate matter that is produced in the outskirts of urban centers can spread over long distances in the wind patterns and impact the populations far beyond the source of the source. He emphasized that long-term outcomes necessitate cooperation in regions and transnational control of pollution.
Shafiq expressed the view that the only way meaningful progress can be made is by ensuring that there is coordinated effort in transport, energy, industry, agriculture, urban planning and local governments and not a sectoral approach. He declared the 35 by 35 target (a 35% decrease in PM 2.5 concentrations by 2035) as realistic and possible via intertwined policies, progressive technology and citizen involvement, and said it would result in long-term populace well-being, climate dependability, and economic advantages.
The satellite-based monitoring data by the World Bank team also showed real-time information on the PM 2.5 spread in the province. The results determined the Peshawar Valley to be among the most contaminated air basins in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and this is very dangerous to human health.
The discussions were consistent with the Country Partnership Strategy of Pakistan (2025-2035) in terms of the fourth outcome (Outcome No. 4) that aims at managing common sources of pollution at the Greater Peshawar-Hayatabad-Frontier Corridor. It is planned to promote clean fuels, tighten the requirements of the vehicle emissions, regulate the industries and enhance waste management.
Secretary Junaid Khan once again promised that the provincial government was determined to protect the environment and clean the air, which would have a comprehensive institutional backing and that the special secretary of climate change would be the point of focus in order to improve the coordination. The meeting ended with a commitment to turn policy talk into action so that there is a healthier and more sustainable future of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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