KARACHI:
Contemporary environmental issues constantly reiterate that global communities need to take an initiative on the global waste crisis. Global geography and political economy can play an important role in addressing waste issues globally. The Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change was left baffled when it learned that the United Kingdom, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, United States of America, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Canada, and Italy, were the top 10 countries exporting waste to Pakistan.
The country is already suffering from environmental hazards and seasonal disease outbreaks like dengue and malaria. In addition, abject poverty, poor infrastructure, and illegal waste sites have further worsened the living conditions for many. The country produces nearly 30 million tonnes of waste itself. Mismanagement of waste is contaminating surface water and groundwater supplies. This coupled with the massive import of hazardous waste will have serious consequences on both the environment and human health.
Even though Pakistan’s first-ever National Hazardous Waste Management Policy 2022 by the federal cabinet is a great initiative for boosting our political economy, it does not guarantee a solution to the massive garbage problem in the country. Most cities are struggling with waste management as almost all vacant plots and footpaths can be found inundated with garbage. The federal and provincial governments need to form a strategy to tackle waste management as well as limit waste imports from other countries. Otherwise, the country will be increasingly threatened by disease outbreaks and a deteriorating environment.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 12th, 2022.
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