ISLAMABAD: The two-day Pakistan National Clean Air Conference concluded on Thursday with the adoption of the Islamabad Clean Air Compact, calling for coordinated federal and provincial action, stricter enforcement, regular emissions inventories and annual reviews to tackle air pollution.

The conference brought together government officials, environmental protection agencies from the provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, and international development partners to discuss measures to address pollution from transport, industry, agricultural burning, household cooking and waste.

The conference was organised by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) with support from development partners. Participants stressed that the success of the compact would depend on funded programmes, clearly assigned responsibilities and regular assessments of progress.

The closing session emphasised that progress would depend on moving beyond policy commitments towards practical implementation, backed by reliable data, clearly defined institutional responsibilities and sustainable financing.

Syed Abrar Hussain, director general of Pak-EPA, stressed the need for coordinated strategies, advance preparations ahead of the winter smog season and stronger monitoring mechanisms.

During technical discussions, Wajid Ijaz of the Environment Protection and Climate Change Department said reliable data was essential for identifying pollution sources and guiding regulatory action and public spending.

He called for investment in monitoring networks, emissions inventories, source-apportionment studies and real-time tracking to help authorities target interventions effectively. Financing emerged as a major challenge during the discussions.

Andrew McCarthy of the Asian Development Bank called for consensus on federal and provincial responsibilities and the establishment of a National Clean Air Financing Framework to mobilise public funds, climate finance, development assistance and private investment.

Dr Waqas Ahmed Khan of the World Bank highlighted the potential for developing projects in transport and agriculture that could attract investment through carbon credits. He stressed the need for credible emissions baselines, monitoring and verification systems, safeguards and approvals to prevent double counting.

Participants discussed phased measures to reduce transport emissions, including improved vehicle inspections, electric-vehicle charging infrastructure, expanded public transport, greater freight efficiency and increased use of railways.

Proposals to curb agricultural burning included raising farmers’ awareness, promoting mechanisation, finding alternative uses for crop residues and providing financial support. Industrial measures included emissions monitoring, energy audits, cleaner technologies and the modernisation of brick kilns.

Clean cooking was also identified as a priority. Muhammad Abid of GIZ called for locally appropriate solutions, reliable alternative energy supplies, public-private partnerships and opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

Dr Zaigham Abbas, Pak-EPA spokesperson, urged development partners, including the World Bank, ADB, UNICEF, GIZ and ICIMOD, to support the implementation of the National Clean Air Policy 2023 through technology-driven measures targeting pollution at its source.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2026