National Clean Air Policy ready to tackle increasing challenge of air pollution: NA told

Islamabad: The National Assembly was informed on Monday that the government has prepared a National Clean Air Policy to tackle the increasing challenge of air pollution and recurring smog in major cities of the country.

Replying to a question during Question Hour in the National Assembly, Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman informed the House that the policy is aimed at formulating framework for improving air quality, citizens’ health, food security and reducing annual death due to air pollution, trans-boundary pollution as well as expanding economic activity.

The Minister further said that China has shown willingness to help Pakistan to deal with smog in line with the best practices being followed in Shanghai and Beijing.

She said the National Electric Vehicle policy has also been formulated for conversion of fossil fuel vehicles to electric in order to reduce emission.

Responding to a question, Minister for Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain says that all the federal universities have been directed to charge registration fee once for the whole course. 

Responding to another question, the Minister said efforts are being made to end the gap in the announcement of results by intermediate boards so that admission in higher classes can be started at a uniform schedule.

Regarding facilitation of the students of flood-hit areas, Rana Tanveer Hussain said that fees of over 13,000 students were deferred and 20, 000 students were allowed to pay their fee in instalments. Besides, scholarships were provided to 40, 000 students of flood-affected areas.

“The Kalam Bibi International Women Institute Bannu Bill, 2023” was laid before the House.

Minister for Education and Professional Training Rana Tanvir Hussain presented the bill.

The Chair referred the bill to the standing committee concerned.

The House has now been prorogued.