Ahsan proposes global pollution tax

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has proposed that the United Nations impose a global environment tax on nations responsible for pollution.

He suggested that the collected funds be used to support countries suffering from climate change, mainly due to emissions from developed nations.

Speaking at the Breathe Pakistan International Conference, Iqbal highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change, including initiatives under Uraan Pakistan. He emphasized that Pakistan’s climate response would shape its future economy and public well-being.

Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, participating via video link, stressed the need for an integrated national approach to climate resilience. She revealed that Punjab allocated Rs10 billion for smog control and Rs100 billion for climate projects. She also noted that rising temperatures had reduced crop yields by up to 18% and that poor air quality had further impacted wheat, rice, and maize production.

Aurangzeb also shared that Pakistan had officially reached out to India for regional discussions on air pollution. Meanwhile, PM’s Climate Coordinator Romina Khurshid Alam called for urgent action, while UN officials stressed the need to restore the Indus River Basin to tackle environmental challenges.