The National Assembly Standing Committee on Climate Change has passed the Climate Accountability Bill 2024.

The NA panel meeting was held on Wednesday under the chair of Munazza Hasan that discussed Climate Accountability Bill 2024 forwarded by MNA Sharmila Farooqui. The proponent of the bill told the committee that the bill envisaged corporate responsibility and it aimed at reducing carbon expenditures.

The bill proposes the establishment of a climate change fund and suggests imposing fines on companies that harm the environment, Sharmila said. The Ministry of Climate Change secretary informed the committee that the process of setting up the fund had already begun. The secretary recommended conducting a vote on the bill, which was subsequently passed unanimously.

During the NA committee meeting, MNA Nuzhat Sadiq presented the Pakistan Environmental Protection Bill 2024. The climate change ministry secretary said the ministry requires Prime Minister’s opinion on the bill. Besides, the Ministry of Law also adopted the same stance.

In addition, the committee sought a detailed briefing on burning crop residues. Pakistan Environment Protection Agency director-general said fines have been imposed on four private housing societies due to a lack of sewage system.

The committee chairperson questioned why EPA failed to take action during the construction of these housing societies.