ISLAMABAD: A week after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stripped Musadik Malik of his portfolio as the minister for petroleum due to ‘poor performance’, he has now been appointed as the new climate change minister, which has raised concerns among experts, who said he lacks prior experience regarding critical environmental and climate issues.
The new appointment comes at a critical juncture when Pakistan faces stark climate challenges, with the country ranked as the 10th most vulnerable country in the world to the impacts of climate change.
According to the experts, with shattering floods, rising temperatures and environmental degradation posing serious threats to the country’s survival, the headship in this sector requires both expertise and strategic vision.
Because of his poor performance during his last term as petroleum minister, Musadik Malik was reportedly snubbed by the prime minister himself.
His new role as the climate change minister has sparked debate, with environmentalists and experts questioning the rationale behind this decision.
The government asserted that this new arrangement shows its commitment to tackling environmental issues despite the criticism.
Musadik Malik is expected to carry out and implement policies about the adoption of renewable energy, sustainable development, and improved international collaboration on climate change in his new position.
Experts and environmentalists, however, expressed doubt as to whether his experience in the energy industry prepared him to handle the intricacies of climate change.
Environmentalists have said that a leader with specialized knowledge of climate science and policy would have been more appropriate for the new role.
It is to be seen whether Malik will do justice to this vital role and initiate significant climate action for Pakistan’s sustainable future as the country struggles with growing environmental issues.
It should be remembered that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expanded the federal cabinet last Thursday, increasing the members from 21 to 43. The new lineup included 31 federal ministers, nine ministers of state and four advisers.