Protection of environment topmost agenda: Sherry Rehman

Staff Writer

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman said this week that the protection of country’s environment was topmost priority of the government where all necessary measures would be taken to address air quality related issues.

In an interview, she said that government would take number of initiatives to improve the air quality and all relevant departments would strictly implement the instructions on smog control in cities.

She said air quality monitoring stations would be established and air quality measuring devices would be introduced to reduce harmful emissions and to improve air quality around cities.

The Minister for Climate Change further highlighted that global climate change and deteriorating of quality of air were major issues in the country which was affecting the human health on daily basis. She also said that air pollution caused deaths and casualties needs urgent attention.

Replying a question, she said that ministry would investigate the ways in which communities are engaged with decision-making and implementation of air quality actions, adding, media should play a role in tackling climate change issues in country as the people rely on it to get their information.

“It is high time to take strict and difficult steps to address climate related issues”, she said adding that they had to mobilize people about their own issues and ensure a healthy environment for future generations.

To another question, she said that public welfare schemes would also be the top most priority of the current cabinet as strong institutions are imperative for country’s progress and welfare of the masses.