Peshawar  -  A meeting of the Task Force Action Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was held on Monday at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Secretariat, chaired by Convener SDGs/MPA Asif Khan Mehsud.

The meeting, convened to discuss key agenda items for the upcoming Speakers’ Conference scheduled for December 18, 2025, in Islamabad, was attended by MPAs including Mian Umer Kaka Khel, Malik Adeel, Arif Ahmadzai, Rehana Ismail, Asma Alam, Sobia Shahid, Iftikhar Mishwani, Fazal Elahi, Iftikhar Ahmad, and Shafi Jan. Representing the Assembly Secretariat, Special Secretary Administration Syed Waqar Shah, who also serves as Secretary to the SDGs Task Force Committee, along with other relevant officers, participated.

The committee focused on two critical issues: polio eradication and environmental protection, with detailed briefings provided by the Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Convener Asif Khan Mehsud summarized the discussions in the following detailed statement:

“In today’s meeting, we addressed critical agenda items for the Speakers’ Conference to be held in Islamabad this December. Our primary focus was on polio eradication, a major issue in our society and region, and environmental protection.”

“We received briefings from the Health Department and the EPA, discussing various aspects, but most importantly, we strategized on how to tackle polio effectively. We’ve directed the Health Department to provide a detailed report for the next meeting, covering expenditures, donor agency mechanisms, and payment processes.”

“Critically, we emphasized revising the compensation policy for polio workers. While police personnel receive a 14-package, we want a similar package for polio workers who are injured or martyred. We’ve asked the department to propose a policy—potentially for parliamentary approval—to ensure their sacrifices are honoured.”

“On the environmental front, we discussed industrial compliance, licensing, and cess requirements. The EPA has been directed to provide a detailed report on these matters.”

“We also raised concerns about non-functional incinerators in major hospitals, which are vital for the safe disposal of hazardous medical waste.”

“To address this, we’ve formed a subcommittee comprising MPAs Arif Ahmadzai, Iftikhar Mishwani, Shafi Jan, and Sobia Shahid, which will investigate incinerator operations, the roles of Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs), and hospital overburdening. The committee is expected to submit its report within seven days, by Monday.”

“Our goal is to strengthen health and environmental frameworks to improve service delivery and ensure sustainable progress in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

To address the issue of non-functional incinerators in major hospitals—essential for the safe disposal of hazardous medical waste—a subcommittee was formed comprising MPAs Arif Ahmadzai, Iftikhar Mishwani, Shafi Jan, and Sobia Shahid. The subcommittee is tasked with investigating incinerator operations, assessing the roles of MTIs, and proposing measures to reduce the burden on major hospitals. It is expected to submit its findings within seven days, by Monday.”

The EPA’s forthcoming report will guide efforts to enforce environmental regulations and promote industrial accountability.