Latest news with #ClimateChangeandEnvironmentalCoordination
Express Tribune
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Minister orders urgent review of GMO soybean import, policy
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Malik, on Monday chaired a high-level committee meeting to review the import and regulatory framework of genetically modified (GMO) soybean meal in Pakistan. According to the official statement, the minister stressed the need for science-based decisions and ordered a comparative study on why Pakistan's soybean yields remain lower than other countries and why locally produced soybean seed and meal are more expensive than imports. The meeting also discussed biosafety risks, including possible gene escape from GMO soybean seed and meal, and highlighted the need for establishing clear safety protocols. A committee, led by Prof Kosar Abdullah Malik, was formed to organise a national conference within ten days to gather expert input for future seed and biotechnology policies. Malik instructed that a comprehensive policy on biosafety, biotechnology, and regulation be finalised and implemented within 90 days to support sustainable agriculture and food security. The review follows the November 2024 government decision allowing GMO soybean imports from the US after a three-year suspension. The approval was granted without conducting risk assessments on 47 gene events under local conditions, as required by Article 15 of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. This decision effectively shifted Pakistan's status from non-GMO to GMO, despite previous objections from former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Imran Khan, and Shehbaz Sharif, as well as the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. Environmentalists, farmers, and civil society groups also raised concerns. Critics allege the policy change was influenced by powerful industry players, including a ruling party politician. The National Biosafety Committee, chaired by Secretary Eazaz Aslam Dar, approved licenses for over 42 importers to bring in GMO soybeans with 47 gene events for food, feed, and processing, without required local risk assessments.
Express Tribune
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan calls for climate justice
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik urged global climate leaders to honour climate finance commitments and strengthen cooperation between developed and developing nations during the COP29 Heads of Delegation (HoD) Retreat held in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan. Dr Malik emphasised the need for "climate justice, equity, and stronger collaboration between the Global North and South" in tackling the escalating climate crisis. "The time for promises is over. Developing countries like Pakistan need inclusive and transparent access to climate finance, technology, and adaptation support," said Dr Malik.
Express Tribune
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Case lodged over viral Margalla deer killing
Kohsar police on Saturday registered a case after a video of a rare deer being slaughtered in the Margalla Hills went viral on social media, sparking public outrage. The suspects had been identified and nominated in the case. They may face up to three years in prison and a fine of Rs1 million. The FIR was lodged on the complaint of Ayesha Shehzad, Assistant Director of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB). According to the FIR, the individuals seen in the viral video have been identified as Bashir Abbasi, Zain Abbasi, and other unidentified persons, all residents of Gokeena village. Their actions are in clear violation of the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act. The complaint also requests police assistance in recovering the remains of the animal, including its hide and skull. Under the sections applied in the FIR, the accused may face up to one year in jail and a fine of Rs1m, while Section 379 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which has also been invoked, carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison. According to sources, police have begun searching for the suspects following the registration of the case. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Malik, strongly condemned the reported killing of a deer in the Margalla Hills National. Terming the act "cruel" and "unacceptable," the minister ordered an immediate inquiry and directed relevant authorities to submit a report on the incident without delay.
Express Tribune
04-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Malik calls for climate-resilient projects
Listen to article Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Musadik Malik, participated in the FfD4 side event titled "Swapping out Debt for Development: The DSC Financing Approach", held in Seville, Spain. According to a statement released on Thursday, the mnister joined the session alongside Pakistan's Federal Minister for Finance, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Shezra Mansab Ali Khan. Participants deliberated on innovative financial approaches to align debt relief with investments in climate resilience and development priorities. During the session, Malik discussed the need for climate-resilient projects and emphasised the importance of exploring avenues for green energy production, particularly solar energy. He emphasised that sustainable development must go hand in hand with debt relief and green innovation. He also highlighted the potential of oceans and rivers as untapped resources that could contribute meaningfully toward sustainable development. "Our focus should be on long-term climate resilience rather than short-term relief," Malik said during the session.
Business Recorder
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pak delegation interacts with Chatham House
LONDON: A high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation, led by former Foreign minister and Chairman Pakistan People Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, engaged with eminent members of the British think tank, academia, and policymaking community at the prestigious Chatham House, one of the UK's leading think tanks focused on foreign and security policy issues. The closed-door discussion was held under the 'Chatham House Rules,' which is used around the world to encourage inclusive and open dialogue in meetings. Bhutto Zardari and other delegation members conveyed Pakistan's perspective on the recent escalation in South Asia while expressing serious concern about India's unprovoked military aggression that resulted in civilian casualties and posed a significant threat to regional stability. They underscored that India's actions constituted a clear violation of Pakistan's sovereignty, international law, and the United Nations Charter. The Pakistan delegation said that Pakistan's armed forces, with the full support of the people of Pakistan, had given a befitting response to India, demonstrating Pakistan's resolve to defend its sovereignty, and thwarting India's ambitions to set any new so-called 'normal' in the region. Bhutto Zardari strongly denounced India's unilateral and illegal suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. He warned that the weaponisation of water undermines international norms and sets a perilous precedent. He urged the international community to take notice of this alarming development and hold India to account for its actions. The delegation noted that the pending resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the principal stumbling block to lasting peace and stability in the region. They urged the international community to support meaningful dialogue and ensure respect for international commitments and human rights. The other members of the delegation include Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Masood Malik; Chairperson, Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and former Minister for Information and Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman; Chairperson, National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar; former Minister for Commerce, Defence and Foreign Affairs, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan; MQM's Parliamentary Leader in the Senate and former Minister for Maritime Affairs, Senator Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, former Foreign secretaries, Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani and Ambassador Tehmina Janjua. Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK Dr Mohammad Faisal was also present during the round table conference. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
