Islamabad, January 7, 2025 – Pakistan has taken a significant step toward protecting the environment and aligning with international climate commitments by approving a ban on the import of Polyol blended with HCFC-141b and HCFC-142b. The decision was made during a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
At the meeting, the Ministry of Commerce proposed the ban on Polyol, specifically the mixture blended with harmful substances like HCFC-141b and HCFC-142b, both of which are known to contribute to ozone layer depletion. The ECC deliberated on the matter and gave its approval for the ban, which will come into effect at the end of January 2025.
The Ministry of Climate Change has been tasked with consulting the Ministry of Industries and Production to ensure the relevant industries are adequately informed about this regulatory change. Additionally, the ECC instructed that no new Letters of Credit (LCs) for the banned chemicals should be opened, signaling the government’s firm stance on limiting the import of environmentally harmful substances like Polyol.
During the discussion, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of timely and efficient policy measures to address the country’s critical economic, energy, and industrial needs. He emphasized transparency and swift implementation, which are essential in executing such crucial decisions.
The meeting was attended by key government officials, including Minister for Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, and Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Parvez Malik. High-ranking officials from various ministries, departments, and divisions were also present, as stated in a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance.
Aside from the Polyol ban, the ECC approved a number of significant financial allocations. Among these were technical supplementary grants to support the Ministry of Defense, the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. These grants are aimed at facilitating gender equality projects, covering liabilities for past events, and supporting ongoing public sector development projects.
Additionally, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training presented a request for an increase in faculty salaries under the Tenure Track System, which was approved by the ECC. Furthermore, the committee also sanctioned funding for law enforcement needs and outstanding contract liabilities related to the Safe City Project in Islamabad, demonstrating the government’s commitment to maintaining public safety and fulfilling international obligations.
In a final note, the ECC reaffirmed its previous decision to declare the warehousing and logistics sector an industry, while approving additional support for the Prime Minister’s Relief Package through the Utility Stores Corporation (USC).
This decisive move to ban Polyol blended with HCFC-141b and HCFC-142b reflects Pakistan’s growing focus on environmental sustainability and its commitment to meeting global climate goals.