PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH
ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR
TUESDAY, THE 10TH FEBRUARY, 2026
62 *Mr. Mazahir Amir:
Will the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Developmentbe pleased to State:-
(a) Whether is it a fact that as per IQAir organization report Karachi is world’s fourth largest polluted city in the world;
(b) If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, measures being taken by the Environmental protection Agency to address these unhealthy air pollution in Karachi?
ANSWER
SYED HASSAN ALI SHAH, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT:-
Karachi's air quality is severely impacted by multiple interconnected factors, including industrial activities, vehicular emissions, construction projects, and open burning practices. These elements have consistently placed Karachi among the top cities globally with high levels of air pollution. Key contributors to the city's rising Air Quality Index (AQI) include emissions from diesel-powered vehicles, traffic congestion, and inefficient fuel combustion, which release pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) etc. Construction activities generate dust and other pollutants, while unpaved roads and improper waste disposal exacerbate the problem. Additionally, industrial emissions from manufacturing and power generation release sulfur dioxide (SO2), NOx, PM, and VOCs. The open burning of waste, including agricultural residue and garbage, further degrades air quality. These combined factors necessitate comprehensive measures to mitigate their impact on Karachi's environment.
· Sindh EPA conducted air quality monitoring in Karachi during 2020, 2021, and 2022-2023 to assess air pollution severity and identify hotspots.
· To address these issues, SEPA enforces strict regulations and standards for emissions from industries and other sources through regular inspections, and penalties for non-compliance.
· Stopped operation and demolished 218 illegal units of battery recycling throughout Karachi city.
· All illegal coal storage sites were removed and coal shift to legal storage yards particularly located indistrict Malir.
· All Coal fired Power Plants and Cement Plants were directed to install air pollution control equipment through legal enforcement.
· Action was taken against all Stone Crushing Units in Sindh province for controlling dust emissions. Those have been directed to implement guidelines of SEPA and implementation of Environmental Management Plan.
· Collaborating with traffic police, SEPA implements vehicular emission standards and conducts regular vehicle inspections, taking appropriate actions against those exceeding permissible levels.
· Public awareness campaigns are conducted to educate residents about air pollution hazards and encourage cleaner practices.
· SEPA also promotes and encourage clean energy technologies and renewable sources.
· Very recently ECC&CD have initiated the process of Air Quality Analysis in the city of Karachi which will give live data to general public for precautionary measures before movement in the public. This data will also ensure remedial measures at government as well as private sector level are being taken.
500 *Syed AdilAskari:
Will the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Developmentbe pleased to State:-
How is the ministry preparing for the impacts of climate change such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events in the Province?
ANSWER
SYED HASSAN ALI SHAH, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT:-
The Government of Sindh, through the Environment, Climate Change & Coastal Development Department (ECC&CDD), in coordination with the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) and relevant provincial departments, has transitioned from reactive response measures to a structured and policy-driven framework for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
The Sindh NDC 3.0 Policy Recommendations (2025) have been developed by ECC&CDD in consultation with key provincial departments to guide provincial mitigation and adaptation actions in alignment with Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Furthermore, to effectively support the implementation of Pakistan’s NDC commitments, NDC Mitigation and Adaptation Implementation Committees have been notified to establish a robust and coordinated climate governance framework within the province.
Sindh has formulated and adopted the Sindh Climate Change Policy, 2022, which provides a comprehensive roadmap for climate action across priority sectors. The Policy sets targets for strengthening climate resilience and reducing vulnerability across the province. Under this Policy, a large-scale mangrove rejuvenation and restoration program has been initiated to function as a natural barrier against cyclones and tidal surges while also serving as a significant carbon sink. These initiatives enhance coastal ecosystem resilience and support the protection of vulnerable coastal communities from sea-level rise and storm surges.
In addition, ECC&CDD has developed proposals for Climate-Resilient Floating Agriculture Systems for waterlogged and flood-prone areas of Lower Sindh to promote sustainable livelihoods and food security.
To address the increasing risk of extreme heat events, particularly in urban centers, Heat Action Plans have been introduced for Karachi and are planned for replication in other high-risk cities across Sindh.
Recent initiatives undertaken by Government of Sindh to strengthen climate resilience in Sindh include:
ECC&CDD is also in the process of formulating a set of Priority Actions for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation, with particular emphasis on vulnerable sectors and regions, to guide future public investments and donor-supported climate programs.
503 *Syed AdilAskari:
Will the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Developmentbe pleased to State:-
How is the ministry ensuring compliance with environmental regulations by industries and businesses?
ANSWER
SYED HASSAN ALI SHAH, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT:-
Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) under the administrative control of Environment, Climate Change & Coastal Development Department, Government of Sindh ensures compliance with environmental regulations in industries through:
1. Requiring industries to conduct environmental Assessments to identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts.
2. Issuing licenses and permits to industries, subject to compliance with environmental regulations.
3. Conducting regular inspections and monitoring of industries to ensure compliance.
4. Setting and enforcing standards for industrial effluents and emissions.
5. Ensuring proper waste management practices, including disposal and recycling.
6. Requiring industries to submit regular compliance reports.
7. Providing training and capacity-building programs for industries to enhance environmental compliance.
8. Encouraging public participation in environmental decision-making processes.
9. Working with stakeholders, including industries, NGOs, and communities, to promote environmental compliance.
Sindh EPA also has a robust compliance monitoring system, which includes:
- Regular inspections and monitoring
- Sampling and analysis of effluents and emissions
- Review of compliance reports and records
- Investigation of complaints and incidents
- Enforcement actions, including fines and penalties
By implementing these measures, SEPA ensures that industries in Sindh operate in an environmentally sustainable and responsible manner.
1315 *Mr. Muhammad Daniyal:
Will the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Developmentbe pleased to State:-
(a) Is it a fact that provincial government is taking efforts to mitigate the impact of industrial pollution on the environment and public health;
(b) What are the specifics if the responses to (a) above is affirmative?
ANSWER
SYED HASSAN ALI SHAH, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT:-
Yes,
It is submitted that Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) is working to mitigate the impact of industrial pollution on the environment and public health. Industrial discharge is a significant source of water pollution, air pollution, contaminating freshwater sources and rendering them unsuitable for consumption and agriculture.
Sindh EPA Efforts:
· Sindh EPA enforces regulations to control industrial pollution, including standards for wastewater, air emission discharge.
· Regular monitoring and inspections of industrial facilities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
· Enforcement of individual industrial facilities to improve wastewater and air emission treatment infrastructure and promote safe disposal hazardous/non-hazardous waste management practices.
· Public awareness campaigns and workshops were regularly conducted to educate industries and general public about pollution prevention and sustainable practices.
· Encouraging industries to adopt cleaner production technologies and best management practices.
· Collaborates with government agencies, industries, and stakeholders to leverage resources and expertise for effective pollution control.
The aim of above mentioned efforts to Protecting Sindh's environmental resources, including water and air, for present and future generations by reducing the impact of industrial pollution on public health and well-being.
1828 *Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Khan:
Will the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Developmentbe pleased to State:-
(a) Is it a fact that steps have been taken by the Sindh Government to reduce the environmental pollution in the province as well as the grade-wise number of recruitments made in the Environment department from 1-1-2022 to 1-6-2025?
(b) If response to (a) above is yes, the details thereof?
ANSWER
SYED HASSAN ALI SHAH, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT:-
It is submitted that the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), under the Government of Sindh, has undertaken several concrete initiatives to control and reduce environmental pollution across the province. Key actions include
· Sindh Environmental Protection Act 2014 and rules regulations made thereunder are enforced/implemented to reduce the environmental pollution in the province.
· Province-wide ban on carrier/plastic bags.
· Ban on Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Prohibition of Substandard Fuels/Tyres) Rules, 2025 to regulate substandard fuels and control emissions.
· Installed wastewater treatment plants in huge industries in Sindh.
The posts were advertised by the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) vide Advertisement No. 02/2020 dated 15-03-2020. The written tests were held in October and December 2020, and interviews of eligible candidates were conducted in December 2021, January 2022, October 2022, and May 2024 (copy of recommendations of candidates declared fit and suitable for appointment is at Annexure placed on the Table of the House.
Seventy (70) candidates in BPS-17 were recommended by SPSC for different posts, including Instrument Engineer, Assistant Director (Law), Assistant Director (Admin & Finance), Chemist, Assistant Director (Technical), and Assistant Director (Public Awareness).
Twenty-two (22) candidates in BPS-16 were recommended by SPSC for different posts, including Data Processing Officer, Office Assistant, and Field Supervisor.
In total, ninety-two (92) posts have been filled by this department through recruitment conducted by the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC).
1831 *Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Khan:
Will the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Developmentbe pleased to State:-
(a) Is it true that the government is taking action to stop factory pollution and other issues in order to keep the province's environment clean;
(b) What are the specifics if the answer to (a) above is yes?
ANSWER
SYED HASSAN ALI SHAH, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT:-
Yes, the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has confirmed that the provincial government is taking action to control factory and industrial pollution in Sindh.
Sindh EPA issues notices and initiated legal actions against the factories, hospitals, ware-houses, and energy plants if found violating environmental laws.
G.M UMAR FAROOQ
KARACHI: SECRETARY
DATED THE 9TH FEBRUARY 2026 PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH
