QUETTA, Nov 14: Balochistan has introduced a comprehensive new climate change policy aimed at curbing environmental degradation and strengthening resilience against climate-driven challenges, provincial officials informed the Balochistan Assembly’s Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment, Forests and Wildlife on Thursday. As part of the initiative, the government has allocated an initial Rs500 million to establish the Balochistan Climate Change Fund.
Briefing the committee, officials from the Department of Climate Change and Environment outlined several measures underway to reduce industrial pollution and promote environmental safeguards. These include the conversion of 45 traditional brick kilns to energy-efficient zigzag technology, which significantly cuts emissions. Additionally, 28 chromite grinding mills operating near populated areas are being relocated to reduce air and noise pollution risks.
The department also reported progress in the installation of pollution control equipment, including 29 effluent treatment plants and 18 scrubbers across industrial units. The Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shared its enforcement record, noting that it seizes between 11,000 and 12,000 kilograms of illegal plastic bags every month and is currently pursuing 146 environmental cases in various courts.
Government allocates Rs500 million to set up the Balochistan Climate Change Fund. https://t.co/tOPaqYNh1R
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Prince Ahmed Umer Ahmedzai, who chaired the committee meeting, lauded the department’s initiatives but emphasised the need for sustained monitoring and expansion of long-term climate resilience strategies in the province, which is highly vulnerable to droughts, extreme heat and flash floods.
In a separate session, the Forests and Wildlife Department highlighted major achievements under the Forest Act 2022. Officials reported that eight new rules and regulations have been framed, and three protected forest and marine areas — Churna Island, Miami Hor, and Takatu National Park — have been notified to safeguard critical ecosystems and biodiversity.
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The department also informed the committee that 53 forest nurseries have been established, producing 3.8 million saplings, of which 1.8 million have been distributed free of cost. Plantation and greening projects covering more than 41,000 acres have been completed. Meanwhile, a dedicated management plan and a Wildlife Endowment Fund have been developed for the conservation of Astola Island, Pakistan’s first designated marine protected area.
Officials said the new climate policy marks a significant step towards addressing environmental challenges and strengthening Balochistan’s institutional capacity to respond to climate change.
