Advisor to PM on climate change Malik Amin Aslam Khan has said that amongst many other environmental issues, Solid Waste Management has turned out to be a challenge in Pakistan. Therefore, we are focusing on better solid management strategy by developing a climate responsive policy framework with collaboration of International environmental agencies /experts. He stated this while meeting with a two member delegation, comprising of Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, Program manager UN-HABITAT Pakistan and Ms Tanya Khan Country Coordinator Water supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) here at Islamabad today (Thursday). Federal Secretary Climate change Mr Khizar Hayat Khan and Addl. Secretary khurram Ali Agha was also present in the meeting. Malik Amin Aslam Khan said that since last few decades, larger cities have seen enormous urban sprawl because of massive increase in population; therefore, the peripheries of the cities are becoming extended part of the cities. Due to this mega influx, the cities lack sewage treatment facilities and solid waste management which leads to severe environmental pollution and contamination of surface and ground water bodies. Representative of UN-Habitat Pakistan Mr. Jawed Ali Khan apprised the Advisor regarding IRRC (Integrated Resource Recovery Center) a community based recycling unit which has been established in Sector G-15, Islamabad, to recover value from waste and provide livelihood opportunities to the urban poor. He said that UN-Habitat is ready to provide technical assistance, if government intends to replicate this model to other cities as well. He also informed the chair that UN-HABITATE is commemorating World Habitat Day on 1st October and theme of this year "(Improving Municipal Solid waste management is critical for Sustainable urban development)" is very much aligned with the objectives of the MOCC. Ms. Tanya Khan, Country Coordinator (WSSCC) invited the advisor to the PM on climate change to address three day workshop being held at Pak - China friendship Center from 05-07 October on Water, Sanitation and hygiene issues. The Advisor to PM on climate change Malik Amin Aslam Khan, while thanking the delegates, reiterated commitment of the Government of Pakistan to formulate the National and Provincial environmental Policies through participatory approach to arrive at viable solutions for climate resilient development in the country to ensure Clean and green Pakistan.
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