Ministry promises an efficient transit system

ISLAMABAD: Introduction of public transit schemes in the twin cities is the key element in reducing traffic congestion and pollution, said Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi.

While talking to a delegation of transporters here on Thursday, Afridi said that the Ministry of Environment aims to establish an efficient and well integrated transport system that will facilitate the development of a competitive economy, ensure safety in mobility and reduce poverty.

Afridi said the transport sector is playing a vital role in generating economic and social activities in the country. He said the ministry is committed to providing a healthy environment to the community and all possible resources are being utilised for this purpose. He urged the delegation to join hands with the ministry for this noble cause.

While talking to the delegation, he said the ministry has phased out lead from gasoline and substantially reduced sulphur content from diesel, which are both environment pollutants. He further said that Environmental Protection Council, headed by the prime minister, has recently approved the Pakistan Clean Air Programme, which seeks to systematically phase out two-stroke engine vehicles by 2013. The council has also approved national environmental quality standards for noise and ambient air.

Afridi said Pakistan maintains one of the largest fleet of vehicles running clean Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and the Ministry of Environment is in the process of inducting a fleet of 8,000 CNG buses in all major cities. “This will go a long way in addressing transportation needs of the population and reducing carbon emissions linked to the transportation sector,” said Afridi.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2010.