Latest news with #SajidBaloch
Business Recorder
31-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Cabinet approves Green Building, Rainwater Harvesting Codes
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet approved the Green Building Code of Pakistan and the Rainwater Harvesting Provisions for Building Code of Pakistan for protecting the environment and the climate. This was stated by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Science and Technology, who further stated that these new national standards will ensure green, energy-efficient and water-conserving buildings. Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi, Ministry of Science and Technology, Secretary Sajid Baloch spearheaded the development of these codes, under the prime minister's vision, through extensive consultations with provinces, federal ministries and other relevant stakeholders and developed consensus. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision for environmental preservation, cleaner air for citizens and energy efficiency is the main force behind this development, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Green Building Code applies to all new buildings, with four plus floors, emphasising energy conservation, solar design, green roofs, energy efficient lighting, and integration of renewable energy sources etc. It mandates the use of eco-friendly materials and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for efficient building management, significantly reducing energy consumption and enhancing indoor environmental quality. The Rainwater Harvesting Code applies to residential, commercial and industrial buildings, mandating systems to collect, filter, and reuse rainwater. This initiative aims to address Pakistan's escalating water scarcity by promoting groundwater recharge and reducing dependency on municipal water supplies. The codes have been approved as Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) Bye-Laws and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These codes mark a pivotal move toward sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure actions will be greatly beneficial for a greener, energy efficient and more climate-resilient Pakistan, improving better quality of life for Pakistanis citizens as well as the planet. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
CCLC approves GBCP-2023, RWH-BCP-2023 developed by PEC
ISLAMABAD: In a major step toward sustainable development and climate resilience, the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC), under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, has approved the Green Building Code of Pakistan (GBCP-2023) and the Rainwater Harvesting Provisions for the Building Code of Pakistan (RWH-BCP-2023). Developed by the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), these landmark codes were presented by Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Sajid Baloch while Registrar PEC Engr. Khadim Hussain Bhatti and senior PEC officials were also present in the meeting. The CCLC appreciated PEC's efforts for developing the codes which are applicable in the whole country. The Green Building Code of Pakistan (GBCP-2023) introduces national standards for buildings with four or more stories, focusing on site sustainability, indoor air quality, energy and water conservation, emissions reduction, and protection of local biodiversity. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the code does not apply to single-family or low-rise dwellings, or buildings that do not use electricity, fossil fuels, or water. The code is also a structural benchmark under the IMF's Climate Public Investment Management Assessment (PIMA), underscoring its strategic importance. Complementing this initiative, the Rainwater Harvesting Provisions for Building Code of Pakistan (RWH-BCP-2023) outline mandatory systems for rainwater collection, storage, filtration, and reuse for both potable and non-potable use. These provisions apply to all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, and are intended to address Pakistan's pressing water scarcity challenges by reducing dependence on municipal water sources. To support enforcement, the CCLC approved amendments in two core PEC bye-laws: the Conduct and Practice of Consulting Engineers Bye-Laws, 1986, and the Construction and Operation of Engineering Works Bye-Laws, 1987. These amendments legally incorporate both codes under Section 25(1) of the PEC Act, 1976. The draft Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs) have been legally vetted by the Ministry of Law and Justice, ensuring full compliance with federal legislative procedures. Once approved by the federal cabinet, the GBCP-2023 and RWH-BCP-2023 will be implemented throughout Pakistan. Their enforcement will be carried out by the relevant provincial and federal authorities, engineering bodies, and development departments. Extensive consultations were held during the drafting process with stakeholders from all provinces and regions, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and various federal ministries. With broad-based support and legal backing, these codes represent a national commitment to sustainable, climate-resilient construction and water management practices.
Business Recorder
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister advocates inclusive scientific progress in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi chaired a high-level meeting with the heads of various organisations under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Federal Secretary Sajid Baloch also attended the session. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of 31 ongoing development projects and discussed the roadmap for future initiatives. The federal minister emphasised that the vision of the government and Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif is to ensure that every Pakistani benefits equally from national development and investment. He stressed that 'all projects must aim to directly uplift the lives of common citizens, especially in backward and underserved regions, bringing them on par with developed areas.' The minister underscored the importance of inclusive scientific progress, calling for increased efforts to promote scientific education and innovation across the country. He urged organisations to focus not just on infrastructure but also on building human capital through awareness and access to quality education. The federal minister also highlighted the need to improve the ease of doing business in Pakistan, encouraging the ministry and its affiliated organisations to create a more supportive environment for investment, research, and development with transparency and efficiency. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister advocates inclusive scientific progress
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi chaired a high-level meeting with the heads of various organisations under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Federal Secretary Sajid Baloch also attended the session. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of 31 ongoing development projects and discussed the roadmap for future initiatives. The federal minister emphasised that the vision of the government and Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif is to ensure that every Pakistani benefits equally from national development and investment. He stressed that 'all projects must aim to directly uplift the lives of common citizens, especially in backward and underserved regions, bringing them on par with developed areas.' The minister underscored the importance of inclusive scientific progress, calling for increased efforts to promote scientific education and innovation across the country. He urged organisations to focus not just on infrastructure but also on building human capital through awareness and access to quality education. The federal minister also highlighted the need to improve the ease of doing business in Pakistan, encouraging the ministry and its affiliated organisations to create a more supportive environment for investment, research, and development with transparency and efficiency. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
