ISLAMABAD, (DNA) – The Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change gave final nod to “The Islamabad Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) (Amendment) Bill , 2020 in its meeting Friday at the Ministry of Climate Change, Islamabad.
Meeting of the Committee was chaired by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed. Committee had a comprehensive discussion on the Bill proposed by Senator Muhammad Javed Abbasi which focuses on four key amendments to the existing legislation , namely, 1979 ordinance.
Senator Javed Abbasi’s bill whose spirit is guided by the consideration to bring about fundamental change to institutionalize Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) as a focal institution in preserving and promoting Margalla Hills National Park, Environment and Climate Change.
The Committee observed that the Bill aims to make board truly representative in terms of professional experience and expertise and representative of Pakistan’s diverse and dynamic civil society.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said that Senator Javed Abbasi’s specific contention about including members of Parliament as member of the IWMB would help serve the objective of making the board more representative. They do qualify for the position as member of the board as they can act as a bridge between the Government, public opinion and the lawmakers. In any case Parliamentarians can be members of IWMB or any other such board as this is not an office of profit.
The Committee also gave ample opportunity to the Secretary of the Ministry whose track record shows strong commitment to the cause of climate change and environment. Secretary, however, opposed the Bill since the government plans to introduce a comprehensive legislation in this regard.
Senator Mushahid observed that Senator Javed Abbasi has introduced a concrete legislation which would be a step forward in improving the functioning of the IWMB. The Committee recognised the efforts and contribution of new chair Rina Saeed Khan for her knowledge, expertise and her love for nature.
