QUETTA: The Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment, and Forests & Wildlife of the Balochistan Assembly convened a meeting on Tuesday, chaired by Prince Ahmed Umar Ahmedzai, to assess the progress of provincial environmental initiatives and departmental performance.
During the session, government officials presented a comprehensive overview of their recent achievements. Key highlights included a detailed briefing on the Balochistan Climate Change Policy 2024 and the establishment of a dedicated Climate Change Fund with an initial allocation of 500 million rupees. In a significant move to combat air pollution, the committee was informed that 45 brick kilns have already been converted to the more environmentally friendly zig-zag technology.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported tangible steps to control industrial pollution, citing the installation of 29 effluent treatment plants and 18 scrubbers in various industrial units. Meanwhile, the Forest Department showcased its massive greening drive, announcing the production of 3.8 million saplings, the distribution of 1.8 million to the public, and afforestation efforts carried out across 41,000 acres of land in the province.
While commending the departments for their efforts, the committee, chaired by Prince Ahmedzai, underscored the need for more robust action. Members emphasized that effective coordination between departments, widespread public awareness campaigns, and stricter on-ground implementation of policies are crucial to counter the escalating threats of climate change and ensure sustainable management of Balochistan’s forests and wildlife.
Meanwhile the Balochistan Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed strong displeasure with the Levies Force for its failure to provide financial records and comply with audit procedures, demanding full transparency for funds received since 2022.
During a meeting chaired by Asghar Ali Tareen, the committee discovered several major financial irregularities. A significant violation involved the Levies Force opening a bank account at National Bank, Shahrah-e-Iqbal, Quetta, without required Treasury approval. The account held Rs 13.969 million that was never deposited into the government treasury. The PAC ordered the immediate closure of the account and the transfer of all funds, with proof provided to the committee.
