ISLAMABAD: (APP) Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid Tuesday informed the Senate that Council of Common Interests (CCI) has approved National Forest Policy with consultation of all the provinces.
Responding to a question during question hour, the minister said the policy was prepared in consultation with all shakeholders aimed at protecting forest.
He said on the directives of the Prime Minister Rs. 2 billion was earmarked in PSDP for Green Pakistan Programme. Under the programme, 100 million new trees would be planted during 2016-2021, he said.
The minister said Pakistan ranks 135th amongst countries contributing to global warming and 7th amongst countries most vulnerable to adverse impacts of climate change.
To address this situation, Ministry of Climate Change has developed a comprehensive strategy to address Climate Change which identifies policy approaches and implementation pathways for both adaptation and mitigation.
He said the Ministry has also submitted draft legislation on Pakistan Climate Change Act (PCCA, 2016). It envisages the establishment of Pakistan Climate Authority, Pakistan Climate Change Council and Pakistan Climate Change Fund, he said.