FAISALABAD:
Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) President Farooq Yousaf Sheikh has said climate change is no longer a distant concern but an urgent reality, citing Pakistan’s recent experience with devastating floods, cloudbursts, and other unpredictable natural disasters.
Speaking to a delegation from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), he said that while Pakistan’s contribution to global climate change is minimal, just 0.9%, the country has borne the brunt of its catastrophic effects.
“As the country faces the worst impacts of climate change, FCCI, as the apex trade body, is ready to play a proactive role in encouraging the industrial sector to voluntarily phase out the use of hazardous ingredients before they are globally banned,” Sheikh said.
He stressed the need to motivate all stakeholders, particularly the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector, to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprint. “We must take collective responsibility for mitigating the negative impacts of climate change,” he added.
Sheikh also lauded the ministry’s efforts, noting that FCCI would support the initiative by circulating awareness materials among its members and organising a comprehensive seminar to engage industry in preventing environmental degradation caused by unsustainable human activities.
Addressing concerns about industrial contributions to pollution, Sheikh acknowledged that while the industrial sector accounts for only 9% of smog production, it is often unfairly targeted by punitive measures. “It is essential that we adopt a balanced approach, recognising both the challenges and the potential solutions,” he said.
During the meeting, Deputy Secretary of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Yasir Arafat and National Project Coordinator Sajid Raza presented the objectives of the “Reducing Uses and Release of Chemicals of Concern” project, which aims to curb hazardous chemicals in Pakistan’s textile sector.
The session concluded with a lively question-and-answer segment, where FCCI members engaged with ministry representatives. Waheed Khaliq Ramay delivered the vote of thanks.
To mark FCCI’s 50th anniversary, President Farooq Yousaf Sheikh honoured the guests with special collar pins and presented an FCCI shield to Yasir Arafat in recognition of his contribution to climate initiatives. Dr Muhammad Sarfraz and Rashid Ghuman were also present.
Climate change now an ‘urgent reality’
