Steps taken to tackle climate change-related challenges: Saif

PESHAWAR: Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif has said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the “Climate Action Board (CAB) Bill 2025, which will provide a comprehensive and effective framework to tackle climate change across province.

He said that the CAB would be an autonomous financial body, responsible for monitoring and coordinating environmental strategies across all government departments. The board would also be tasked with developing and revising environmental policies, conducting research, assessing performance, and ensuring effective implementation.

Barrister Saif added that a special “Climate Action Fund” would be established under the board to financially support environmental projects and encourage eco-friendly initiatives at the local level. He emphasised that this initiative marks the second major environmental project by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, following the success of the Billion Tree Tsunami Project, and aims to mitigate the risks of climate change while promoting sustainable development.

He said that the Billion Tree Project has received widespread acclaim from international environmental organisations, showcasing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a key player in global climate efforts.

Barrister Saif said the CAB Bill would not only bring transparency to policy making but would also help build an effective defense mechanism against climate change. “The formation of this board will raise environmental awareness across the province and promote eco-conscious lifestyles among the public,” he added.

He further stated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was actively pursuing effective measures in line with Imran Khan’s vision to combat the impacts of climate change, which remains the greatest challenge of both the present and the future.