Islamabad, Nov 27: Islamabad and World Bank Partner to Tackle Smog and Promote Sustainable Development. World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Thursday in Islamabad to talk about cooperative projects meant to combat smog and promote sustainable development in the city.
A joint World Bank and Capital Development Authority (CDA) team was assigned to prepare the anti-smog plan after the two parties decided to work together on it.Minister Naqvi underlined how urgent it is to combat the rising Air Quality Index, which this year has hit a critical level of 271. “A comprehensive anti-smog strategy must be implemented immediately before the situation becomes dangerous,” he stated.
Important topics of shared interest were also discussed, such as extending the electric bus service, enhancing rural and slum areas, supplying clean water, and increasing sanitation. Naqvi emphasized the city’s endeavors to preserve its reputation as one of the most picturesque capitals in the world, pointing out continuous evaluations of anti-smog machine installations. Najy Benhassine reiterated the World Bank’s dedication to helping Pakistan accomplish its sustainable development objectives, which include urbanization and air quality enhancement.
He stated that international-standard reports will assist in addressing the underlying causes of pollution and that “we are ready to work with the CDA to develop an effective anti-smog strategy.”
The Deputy Commissioner, CDA Chairman, Federal Interior Secretary, and other pertinent officials attended the meeting. Naqvi said he was confident that both locals and tourists would enjoy a cleaner, healthier environment as a result of these cooperative efforts.
