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Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Wildlife dept opposes relocation of seized exotic monkeys to Lahore
Monkeys under the custody of the Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation, which they were handed over to after being rescued from an illegal consignment at Karachi airport. PHOTO: ACF Listen to article The Sindh Wildlife Department has formally opposed the proposed relocation of 26 exotic monkeys — Capuchins and Marmosets — from Karachi to Lahore, urging the Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) to reconsider its directive issued on May 8, 2025. The department has called for adherence to legal protocols and scientific standards in dealing with the animals, which were seized in December 2024 at Jinnah international airport, after being illegally imported from South Africa using forged documents. The monkeys were confiscated by Pakistan Customs in violation of both national and international wildlife laws. Following the seizure, the animals were placed in the care of the Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation (ACF), a private animal welfare facility, on an emergency basis. Despite the matter being sub judice before a competent Customs court, the deputy conservator of wildlife, Ministry of Climate Change in Islamabad, directed the animals be transferred to a facility in Lahore. The Sindh Wildlife Department has raised serious concerns over the legality of this directive, warning that such action — without court approval — could compromise judicial proceedings and violate procedural integrity. In April 2025, the Sindh chief secretary convened a high-level virtual meeting to address the issue. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change, Pakistan Customs, Sindh Wildlife Department, WWF-Pakistan, and other key stakeholders. Subsequently, a technical committee was constituted by the federal secretary MoCC to assess the case and provide evidence-based recommendations grounded in law, science, and animal welfare. The joint report submitted by the Sindh Wildlife Department and WWF-Pakistan concluded that relocating the primates to Lahore would be detrimental to their health and welfare. It stressed that such a move would contradict legal standards and sound scientific practices. The report pointed out that the proposed Lahore facility lacks the species-specific infrastructure and expertise required to care for tropical primates, citing previous failures in hygiene, veterinary care, behavioral enrichment, and animal welfare. Despite these findings, the Ministry of Climate Change issued a recommendation on May 8 for the transfer of the animals to Lahore — without consulting the constituted committee or reviewing its report. The Sindh Wildlife Department, in its formal response, expressed concern over the ministry's unilateral action and the absence of any communication with the trial court where the matter is currently under legal scrutiny. The department stated that all wildlife found within Sindh's territorial jurisdiction is protected under Section 21 of the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act, 2020. Moreover, Rule 43 of the Sindh Wildlife Protection Rules, 2022, places the legal onus on airlines or transport operators involved in illegal wildlife importation to facilitate either deportation or lawful disposal, based on the wildlife officer's recommendation. From a scientific standpoint, the department strongly objected to relocating the monkeys, which are highly sensitive New World primates adapted to stable tropical climates. Capuchins and Marmosets require specific environmental conditions, including temperature regulation, enriched enclosures, social groupings, specialized diets, and experienced veterinary care—resources currently lacking at the Lahore facility. A senior official from the Sindh Wildlife Department urged the Ministry of Climate Change to revisit the findings of the technical committee and to reconvene the multi-stakeholder forum before making any final decision.
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Creation of new executive service cadre proposed
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal proposed the creation of a new executive service cadre that would allow mid-career officers to serve in domains aligned with their expertise and interests, thereby, improving institutional effectiveness and job satisfaction. Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadiq Malik expressed serious concern that the Ministry of Climate Change does not currently have officers with relevant academic or professional backgrounds in environmental sciences. A high-level meeting on civil service reforms was jointly chaired in Islamabad on Tuesday by Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadiq Malik. The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzoor Sumra, as well as secretaries from the ministries of Finance, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Communications, Cabinet Division, and other senior officials. The meeting also review the progress made on previously issued directions concerning civil service reform and to evaluate steps taken so far. Federal Minister Musadiq Malik echoed these concerns and pointed out a critical gap within his own ministry. He observed that the Ministry of Climate Change does not currently have officers with relevant academic or professional backgrounds in environmental sciences. He questioned how a ministry can function effectively without domain knowledge and stressed the urgent need to prioritise technical expertise in public service roles. Malik underscored that it is not language but genuine skill and substance that drive results. Speaking in the meeting, Iqbal emphasised that Pakistan's over-reliance on the English language as a marker of competence has marginalised the majority of the population. He noted that no country in the world has achieved development solely because of proficiency in English, yet in Pakistan, this language-based system has held back nearly 90 per cent of its citizens. He stated that real progress requires valuing knowledge, skills, and professional competence over mere linguistic proficiency. According to the minister, equal opportunities must be created for all, regardless of their language background, to unlock the true potential of Pakistan's human capital. Sharing his broader observations, Musadiq Malik remarked that despite serving in five different ministries, he has yet to come across any with a well-defined work plan or measurable outcomes. He criticised the absence of annual work plans among secretaries, stating that without such frameworks, evaluating inputs and outputs is impossible. He concluded that reforms which do not directly aim to improve performance are inherently meaningless. Both ministers agreed that the discourse on civil service reforms must now move beyond policy discussions and result in actionable strategies to enhance efficiency, promote merit, and ensure institutional performance across government sectors. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister Musadik Malik says Pakistan seeks Azerbaijan partnership on carbon trading, climate resilience
Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Musadik Masood Malik held a meeting on Monday with Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov to explore cooperation in environmental conservation, climate resilience, and carbon trading, the Ministry of Climate Change stated. During the meeting, the federal minister proposed joint initiatives to capitalize on Pakistan's untapped carbon market, while Azerbaijan's Ambassador reaffirmed commitment to stronger bilateral ties. Pakistan, Azerbaijan aim to expand bilateral investment to $2bn He proposed that Azerbaijan could invest in such projects, with the opportunity to sell the resulting carbon credits on the international market, generating returns that could far exceed the initial investment. Furthermore, Minister Malik emphasized that Pakistan offers significant investment opportunities in commercially viable solar energy projects. He also shared Pakistan's growing focus on expanding its green industry, offering fertile ground for various green initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable future. The minister invited Azerbaijan to explore opportunities for joint ventures, which could mutually benefit both countries' investors. The minister emphasised that sustainable development depends on strategic relationships and cooperation, noting that limitless opportunities await and a new era of trade and innovation is set to begin. 'Pakistan is positioning itself as a hub for green industry, and we encourage international partnerships to develop projects that are not only profitable but also beneficial for the environment. This provides a unique investment opportunity for both Azerbaijani and Pakistani stakeholders, creating a win-win situation for both countries,' Malik stated. Ambassador Farhadov expressed his enthusiasm for exploring these opportunities, recogniaing the potential for Azerbaijan to contribute to Pakistan's green initiatives and benefit from its growing market for sustainable investments. In addition to the discussions on environmental matters, Ambassador Farhadov informed the Minister that Azerbaijan has become one of the most favored tourist destinations for Pakistanis. Quoting an official from a Pakistani travel agency, the Ambassador shared that approximately 250,000 Pakistani citizens visited Azerbaijan in 2023, highlighting the growing popularity of Azerbaijan as a travel destination. This growing trend in tourism reflects the strengthening of cultural and people-to-people ties between the two nations, the ambassador added. The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the bilateral relationship between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, with a shared focus on environmental sustainability, investment in green projects, and fostering economic cooperation.
Express Tribune
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM suspends EPA chief for 4 months
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director General Dr Farzana Altaf has been suspended from her position for 120 days following the approval of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The EPA director general was removed under the Civil Servants Efficiency and Discipline Act, 2020. The Ministry of Climate Change has also issued a notification regarding her suspension. According to the notification, the Grade-20 officer has been suspended for an initial period of four months. Dr Farzana Altaf was appointed to the position in 2016. The reason for her suspension was not disclosed in the notification.
Express Tribune
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
NA panel passes Climate Accountability Bill 2024
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Climate Change has passed the Climate Accountability Bill 2024. The NA panel meeting was held on Wednesday under the chair of Munazza Hasan that discussed Climate Accountability Bill 2024 forwarded by MNA Sharmila Farooqui. The proponent of the bill told the committee that the bill envisaged corporate responsibility and it aimed at reducing carbon expenditures. The bill proposes the establishment of a climate change fund and suggests imposing fines on companies that harm the environment, Sharmila said. The Ministry of Climate Change secretary informed the committee that the process of setting up the fund had already begun. The secretary recommended conducting a vote on the bill, which was subsequently passed unanimously. During the NA committee meeting, MNA Nuzhat Sadiq presented the Pakistan Environmental Protection Bill 2024. The climate change ministry secretary said the ministry requires Prime Minister's opinion on the bill. Besides, the Ministry of Law also adopted the same stance. In addition, the committee sought a detailed briefing on burning crop residues. Pakistan Environment Protection Agency director-general said fines have been imposed on four private housing societies due to a lack of sewage system. The committee chairperson questioned why EPA failed to take action during the construction of these housing societies.
