CDA, ADB Discuss Comprehensive Strategy to Tackle Air Pollution in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: A key meeting was held at the CDA Headquarters between Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa and a delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to deliberate on measures for mitigating air pollution, protecting the environment, and improving air quality in the Federal Capital.
The ADB delegation included Senior Financial Economist Andrew McCartney and experts from the ADB Urban Team. Senior CDA officials, including Member Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafiz, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, DG Resources, DG Environment, and other officers, were also present during the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that environmental protection and reduction of air pollution remain among the top priorities of the CDA and the ICT administration. He highlighted ongoing efforts to preserve and expand the green cover of Islamabad and emphasized that multiple environment-friendly initiatives are being implemented to curb pollution levels.
He informed the participants that CDA has initiated Electric Vehicle (EV) Regulations and established electric transport systems and charging stations to promote sustainable mobility. Additionally, vehicle carbon emission testing is being conducted to control pollution in the transport sector.
The Chairman further stated that air quality monitoring stations are being installed in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure accurate measurement of the Air Quality Index (AQI). He noted that major development projects in Islamabad are contributing to a reduction in transport-related carbon emissions and suggested that ADB could assist in securing carbon credits for projects that demonstrably lower emissions.
Muhammad Ali Randhawa also shared that work is progressing on a modern solid waste management system, including the establishment of Islamabad’s first scientific landfill site. He requested ADB’s technical support for these environment-friendly initiatives.
The meeting also reviewed the formulation of a comprehensive action plan for Islamabad under the National Clean Air Policy (NCAP), focusing on carbon emission data, governance reforms, and policy enhancement. The ADB delegation emphasized the need for priority reforms in key sectors such as transport, industry, urban pollution, open waste burning, agriculture, and livestock.
Both sides discussed strategies to access green finance platforms and benefit from the carbon credit market. The ADB delegation assured full support through multi-phased assistance programs.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to strengthen cooperation between CDA and ADB to improve air quality and environmental standards in Islamabad. Chairman CDA expressed confidence that this partnership would not only enhance the city’s environment but also position Islamabad as a model for sustainable urban development across Pakistan.