By ANI Correspondent :
ISLAMABAD — Chairperson Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman, questioned the necessity of the Pakistan Climate Change Authority (PCCA), stating that its functions largely overlap with those of the Ministry of Climate Change.
During the committee meeting, Senator Rehman raised concerns over the creation of a separate authority despite declining budget allocations for the Climate Ministry. She asked the government to explain the Authority’s distinct role, staffing, financial implications and ability to attract international climate funding.
The committee also reviewed the growing risks of glacial melting and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Officials informed members that Pakistan has over 30,000 glaciers and climate change is accelerating glacial melt.
Senator Rehman also expressed dissatisfaction over weak enforcement of the ban on plastic book covers in Islamabad and called for practical and affordable alternatives for citizens.
She directed officials to present a comprehensive report at the next meeting, warning that the Authority should be abolished if it fails to demonstrate a clear and measurable institutional value.
