KP minister engages public in online forum on climate

PESHAWAR: An online forum was convened to address public complaints and gather suggestions on issues related to climate change, forests, the environment, and wildlife.

The forum, led by the caretaker provincial minister for food, agriculture, livestock, and forests, Asif Rafiq, saw the participation of key officials including Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Forests, Environment, and Wildlife, Nazar Hussain Shah, Environmental Protection Agency’s Anwar Khan, Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife, and District Forest Officers. 

During the session, the challenges faced by the Department of Climate Change, Forests, Environment, and Wildlife were presented to the public, prompting directives from Provincial Minister Asif Rafiq to take timely measures to address these concerns. The forum also considered and incorporated suggestions from the public.

Asif Rafiq highlighted the government’s commitment to simplifying service provision for the people, citing the conduct of the online forum as a means to directly hear and address public issues while soliciting suggestions for continuous improvement.

The minister underscored the responsibility shared by the community in preserving the region’s favourable climate, abundant water, and forests. He issued instructions to intensify legal actions against activities such as timber mafia, deforestation, illegal hunting, smoke-emitting kilns, and harmful environmental practices, emphasising that no exceptions should be made in enforcing these measures.

A handout issued here said the online “Khuli Kachehri”, lasting one hour and thirty minutes, provided a platform for the minister to directly address public complaints and suggestions through phone calls and the official Facebook page, demonstrating the government’s commitment to transparency and citizen engagement.