Islamabad; Despite existing legislation to regulate waste imports, hazardous waste continues to enter Pakistan, raising serious environmental and health concerns, according to Senator Sherry Rehman.
The alarming revelation was made during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, held at the State Bank of Pakistan under the chairmanship of Senator Rehman. While addressing the committee, she emphasized the ongoing import of hazardous materials, even after legislative measures were introduced in 2021 to curb such practices.
Pakistan’s Struggle with Hazardous Waste Imports
Senator Rehman highlighted that while waste imports into Pakistan had decreased significantly following the 2021 legislation, enforcement gaps continue to allow hazardous materials to enter the country.
She pointed out that Pakistan’s waste recycling sector remains underdeveloped due to a largely informal waste management system. According to Rehman, a coordinated effort between the federal and provincial governments is needed to effectively regulate the sector and prevent the illegal import of harmful materials.
“A report is taken from the provinces and the provincial chief secretaries to prevent hazardous waste,” she said. “After the provinces confirm that the waste is being imported for legitimate use, the federal government issues an NOC (No Objection Certificate). However, loopholes in the system still allow hazardous waste to be smuggled into the country.”
Pakistan’s Low Recycling Rates
Globally, approximately 9% of waste is recycled, while in Pakistan, the recycling rate is only around 1%, according to Sherry Rehman. She stressed the urgent need to enhance recycling infrastructure and formalize the waste management industry to reduce the environmental burden.
She also mentioned a recent example where a cement factory found to be violating environmental regulations was shut down, and a substantial fine was imposed on it. This, she argued, should serve as a precedent for holding other industries accountable for their carbon emissions.
Promoting a Green Economy
Rehman emphasized the importance of promoting a green economy in Pakistan, shifting the country towards sustainable development.
“The green economy should be seen as an opportunity rather than a challenge,” she stated. “It is essential to secure provincial support for green initiatives in the Council of Common Interest (CCI) to ensure that climate action is a national priority.”
She further suggested that Pakistan’s planning departments and provincial chief secretaries be actively involved in environmental initiatives. Additionally, she called for launching a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about the detrimental effects of climate change and pollution.
State Bank’s Role in Green Financing
Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Jamil Ahmed, also addressed the committee, reaffirming the central bank’s commitment to supporting green financing initiatives.
“The State Bank provides financial support for sustainable projects and regularly engages with stakeholders to advance green initiatives,” he said.
Green Taxonomy: A Sustainable Classification System
Deputy Governor of the State Bank, Saleemullah, provided an in-depth briefing on the concept of Green Taxonomy, which is being developed to classify economic activities based on their environmental sustainability.
“Green Taxonomy is a classification system that defines which economic activities and assets are environmentally sustainable,” he explained. “Its primary objective is to increase investment in green initiatives and prevent ‘greenwashing’ in the financial sector.”
According to Saleemullah, the taxonomy will serve as a tool for companies, regulators, and financial market actors—including investors, lenders, and insurers—to make informed decisions on environmentally responsible economic activities.
The recommendations for Green Taxonomy also include measures to protect infrastructure from the impacts of climate change and reduce overall carbon emissions. The draft version of Green Taxonomy is expected to be completed by April 2025, and a consultative meeting on the subject has been scheduled for March 25, 2025.
Call for Nationwide Collaboration
Sherry Rehman concluded the meeting by calling for a unified effort from all sectors, including provincial governments, industries, and trade bodies, to curb environmental degradation and carbon emissions. She also urged members of the National and Provincial Assemblies to actively support green policies and ensure accountability in implementing sustainability measures.
“All institutions, including those involved in industry and trade, must be held accountable for their role in carbon reduction,” she stressed. “We need to collectively move towards a more sustainable future for Pakistan.”
Ban on Plastic Bottles in Government Meetings
In a symbolic move to promote sustainability, Rehman personally called for banning plastic bottles in government meetings. Holding up a plastic water bottle during the session, she declared, “I boycott plastic bottles. Going forward, plastic bottles should not be used in any official meetings.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pakistan’s Environmental Policies
Pakistan’s environmental challenges remain significant, but with ongoing legislative improvements and collaborative efforts among stakeholders, the country is making progress in its fight against climate change. Initiatives like Green Taxonomy and the push for stricter waste management regulations indicate a promising shift towards sustainability.
While challenges persist, including the illegal import of hazardous waste and a lack of formal recycling infrastructure, leaders like Sherry Rehman continue to push for more stringent policies and broader awareness. The coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively these measures are implemented and whether Pakistan can make substantial progress in achieving a green economy.
Conclusion
The Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change’s recent discussions underscore the urgency of addressing environmental hazards and enhancing Pakistan’s sustainability efforts. From tackling hazardous waste imports to developing a Green Taxonomy, the government is taking significant steps to promote a cleaner, greener Pakistan. However, effective enforcement, collaboration across all sectors, and public participation will be key to ensuring the success of these initiatives.
As Pakistan navigates the path towards a sustainable future, stakeholders from various industries, financial institutions, and the general public must play an active role in supporting eco-friendly policies. The nation’s environmental future depends on strong governance, innovation, and a commitment to preserving natural resources for future generations.
