Location: Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services, Islamabad
Press Release
Islamabad, Pakistan – On 21st August 2023, a landmark roundtable discussion was organized by Malaika Raza, General Secretary of the Human Rights Cell, Pakistan People Party (PPP), and moderated by Fauzia Yazdani, Senior Policy Advisor. This event focused on the integration of climate action, change, and justice into political party manifestos, and brought together key stakeholders including parliamentarians, civil society organisation, and experts in the field of climate change.
Malaika Raza, in her opening remarks, highlighted the urgent need for political parties to address climate change and underscored her commitment to initiating engagement on a wider scale to ensure its integration into the heart of political agendas.
As the moderator, Ms Fauzia Yazdani invited political party representatives and participants to share their perspectives on this pressing issue. She encouraged them to contribute their insights and initiatives within their respective spheres of influence to collectively address this urgent matter. Ms Yazdani emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach, underlining the importance of strategic actions and collaboration to combat the challenges posed by climate change.
The discussion took a pivotal turn when Farhatullah Babar, General Secretary (PPP), addressed the gathering. He drew attention to the alarming repercussions of climate change, including glacier melting and shifting rainfall patterns. Pakistan, he noted, ranks among the countries most severely affected by these changes. Mr. Babar underscored the intrinsic connection between population dynamics and environmental challenges, advocating for responsible water usage and land reforms to mitigate water-intensive crop cultivation.
Mr. Sohail Malik, the Technical Lead of CRCC, brought the discussion to focus on the role of manifestos in driving collective action against climate change. He emphasised the urgency of adopting a visionary approach, prioritising global collaboration in combating environmental challenges.
Representatives from various political parties contributed valuable insights. PTI Senator Fauzia Arshad, stressed proactive measures to counter the impact of floods and emphasised tree plantation as a pivotal initiative. PPP Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted the party’s historical commitment to climate-related matters and advocated for grassroots awareness campaigns.
Ms Aisha Syed of Jamat e Islami presented an Islamic perspective, emphasising the importance of altering societal mindsets and incorporating Islamic principles to address climate change. JUIF Ms Asiya Nasir stressed the need for comprehensive climate action and accountability frameworks.
Baela Jamil, an Educationist, illuminated the connection between climate and education. She advocated for coordinated efforts across ministries and highlighted the disproportionately adverse impact of climate change on women and girls.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to integrate climate action and justice into political party manifestos. The roundtable highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change collectively and the potential of political manifestos in driving transformative change.
Representatives from Pakistan Tehrek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamat e Islami , JUIF, and Pakistan’s People Party, among others, participated in this significant step toward climate-conscious political agendas.
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