ISLAMABAD - The federal cabinet Thursday approved in principle the Hajj Policy 2023 and National Clean Air Policy. The meeting of the federal cabinet that was held in Islamabad on Thursday with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair also approved the National Accountability Amendment Ordinance 2023 on the recommendation of the Ministry of Law and Justice. While chairing the meeting, the Prime Minister said in order to provide all possible facilities to Pakistani pilgrims during their journey and Hajj, the higher authorities should complete an effective and comprehensive strategy with the cooperation of the Saudi Arabian authorities as soon as possible. Regarding National Clean Air Policy, the Prime Minister said that the Ministry of Climate Change is commendable for formulating the National Clean Air Policy. He said that necessary steps should be taken for effective implementation of clean air policy. The cabinet was informed that air pollution has increased significantly in Pakistan over the years. According to the Air Quality Index Report 2022-23, Karachi and Lahore are the most affected cities in Pakistan in terms of air pollution. According to the report, air pollution in Pakistan reduced the average human lifespan by 2.7 years. According to a 2016 World Bank report, Pakistan’s economy suffers substantial annual losses due to air pollution. It was informed that in recent years, the number of accidents and various diseases due to smog in cities has increased tremendously. In this regard, the Ministry of Climate Change formulated a comprehensive policy to protect citizens’ health, reduce annual deaths, improve agriculture and improve air quality in urban and rural areas.
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