Abstract Consultants play a pivotal role in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process because they are the ones who carry out assessments, deal with multiple stakeholders and thus face the most pressure. Considering the ineffectiveness of the EIA process, the current study attempts to identify the challenges faced by consultants in Punjab whilst dealing with stakeholders. Participant observation, professional practice and unstructured interviews were employed as data collection methods. Key challenges identified include the lack of equal treatment, insufficient capability of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and consultants, and the lack of awareness on the parts of the proponents and the public. Legislations accompanied with procedural controls exist in Punjab regarding EIA but the implementation is weak. A strong political will is necessary for implementation of EIA rules and regulation, awareness of the proponents and the public and capacity building of EPA. Registration and accreditation can help bring competent consultants in the field who can improve the process.

中文翻译：

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与巴基斯坦旁遮普省的利益相关者打交道时环境影响评估顾问面临的挑战

摘要 顾问在环境影响评估 (EIA) 过程中发挥着关键作用，因为他们是执行评估的人，与多个利益相关者打交道，因此面临的压力最大。考虑到 EIA 过程的无效性，当前的研究试图确定旁遮普邦顾问在与利益相关者打交道时面临的挑战。采用参与者观察、专业实践和非结构化访谈作为数据收集方法。确定的主要挑战包括缺乏平等待遇、环境保护署 (EPA) 和顾问的能力不足，以及支持者和公众缺乏认识。旁遮普邦存在与环境影响评估相关的立法和程序控制，但执行不力。环境影响评估规则和法规的实施、支持者和公众的意识以及环保署的能力建设需要强大的政治意愿。注册和认证有助于在该领域引入能够改进流程的称职顾问。