Baghdad: The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has announced the nomination of Hallo Al-Askari as the new candidate for the position of Minister of Environment, following the resignation of Minister Nizar Amedi. Kurdish media quoted MP Harem Kamal Agha, head of the PUK bloc, confirming Al-Askari’s nomination for the federal ministerial role.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the nomination letter is currently with the Presidency of the Iraqi Council of Representatives and is expected to be presented for a vote of confidence in the coming days. Hallo Al-Askari, the nominee, has an extensive background in environmental health and safety, holding a PhD in the field. His career includes significant positions such as being an advisor to the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Barham Salih, between 2010 and 2012, and an advisor in the Ministry of Natural Resources from 2012 to 2018.

Al-Askari also served as the Chairman of the Environment Authority in the Kurdistan Region from 2018 to 202
0, and was an advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region between 2020 and 2021. His nomination marks a pivotal step by the PUK in ensuring leadership continuity in the environmental sector, aiming to address the pressing environmental challenges facing the region.