A meeting at the Capital Development Authority headquarters brought together Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa and a delegation from the Asian Development Bank led by Senior Financial Sector Economist Andrew McCartney to discuss smog mitigation, environmental protection and steps to improve air quality in Islamabad.
Muhammad Ali Randhawa said environmental protection and reduction of smog and air pollution are top priorities for the city administration, and that multiple eco-friendly projects and policy measures are already under way to address these challenges.
The CDA has aligned its electric vehicle policy with the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority regulations to accelerate the adoption of EVs and establish charging infrastructure across Islamabad. The authority has introduced 160 environment-friendly electric feeder buses funded from its own resources to modernize public transport and reduce emissions.
To strengthen monitoring, vehicle carbon emission tests are being conducted and plans are advancing to install additional stations for an authentic Air Quality Index. These measures aim to provide reliable data for targeted smog mitigation and policy responses in the capital.
Solid waste has been identified as a contributing factor to air pollution, and the CDA is initiating a feasibility study to establish a scientific landfill and modern solid waste management systems that will help curb related emissions.
CDA officials also highlighted projects designed to make carbon credits available through green initiatives, and invited ADB technical support to enable green financing arrangements. The ADB delegation confirmed it will complete consultations and provide technical assistance, including support for Islamabad’s first Transport Master Plan and the Inter-City Bus Terminals project.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to deepen cooperation between CDA and ADB on smog mitigation and air quality improvement so that Islamabad can control air pollution, protect public health and serve as a model of sustainable urban development for Pakistan.
