SC summons climate change secretary, all provincial secretaries

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday summoned the climate change secretary and all the four provincial secretaries on next hearing in the case pertaining to the establishment of Climate Change Authority (CCA).

The court directed all the four chief secretaries to appear through video link. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked why the Punjab government could not frame policy regarding the climate change so far.

“What steps have been taken by the Punjab government to deal with the floods. Half of the trees planted under the billion tree project have perished. Only planting the trees is not enough but they have to be looked after as well. We will ask from all chief secretaries about the progress in making policy and implementing the policy,” he said.

During the hearing of the case, the government presented a notification on the establishment of Climate Change Authority. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said although the authority has been set up but “when it will become functional”.

The additional attorney general replied that the advertisement has been given for the appointment of members of the authority, adding that the process will be completed within two months. The court further said: “Tell us if any solid step has been taken in connection with climate change.”

The additional attorney general admitted that there is no doubt in it that the attitude of federal and provincial governments is not serious. The court further inquired if the Punjab government had taken any practical step. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked: “The court wonders that climate change is not included in the priorities of the Punjab government.”

KP advocate general said the KP government had started ‘Billion Tree Tsunami Project’, under which about 0.7 million trees were planted. UN also acknowledged the Billion Tree Tsunami Project, he added.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked that half of the trees planted under the billion tree project have perished. The court, while summoning the provincial chief secretaries, adjourned the hearing till July 1.