Terming environmental degradation a serious challenge for Pakistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said the government was carrying out a massive programme to protect the country having diversity of 12 natural ecological zones.
Addressing at the inaugural session of three-day Asia Regional Conservation Forum – Greening Asia for Nature and People organized by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the prime minister said the main target was to make Pakistan green and preserve wildlife in its natural forests, alps and deserts.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said protecting planet was the biggest service to humanity by making it liveable for future generations. He mentioned 10 Billion Tree Tsunami, steps for cleaning of rivers and air and waste disposal system as significant projects under the umbrella of environmental protection programme. Imran Khan said Pakistan’s northern areas exuded unmatched scenic beauty in the world, however regretted that timber mafia under patronage of politicians wreaked havoc with natural environment.
He said strict action was taken against such mafia by the provincial government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to check ruthless cutting of forests.
He recalled visiting Himalayas every summer during early years of life, which he said developed his passion for protecting Pakistan’s natural environment. He said in his book written 30 years ago, he warned about the looming dangers to the country’s forests and also made a pledge to take strong measures for environmental protection.
The prime minister mentioned worsening air pollution in the neighbouring India and said smog in Lahore was also a matter of concern, which required urgent steps. Calling youth a vital driving force in championing the cause of environmental protection, the prime minister said the subject would be included in educational curriculum to sensitive students at grassroots level. The prime minister expressed confidence that the conference that gathered experts from 35 countries would find ways towards proposals for effective policy on environment conservation.
IUCN President Zhang Xinsheng highlighted the importance of collective efforts by governments and civil society organisations to achieve the shared goal to protect nature. He said the aim of IUCN was to encourage international cooperation and provide scientific knowledge and tools to guide conservation action.
Adviser to PM on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam said his ministry would carry out a five-point agenda including 10 billion tree tsunami, banning single-use plastic ban, Clean Green Index to change behaviour on waste management, Electric Vehicle Policy and Recharge Pakistan project on ecosystem restoration. He stressed engagement of community particularly youth and women to promote the cause environmental protection. IUCN Asia Acting Director General Grethel Aguilar and IUCN Asia Regional Director Aban Marker Kabraji also spoke on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan said the new local government system introduced by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government would bring a revolution in making the masses fully empowered.
Objective of the new local government system was the devolution of power so that the process of development, progress and resolution of problems could be made possible at the local level, he added.
The prime minister was chairing a briefing meeting on the proposed local government system for the federal capital.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood, Advisor on Establishment Muhammad Shehzad Arbab, Special Assistant on Health Dr Zafarullah Mirza, Special Assistant Ali Nawaz Awan, Member National Assembly (MNA) Asad Umar, MNA Raja Khurram Nawaz and others. The prime minister was briefed about the salient features of the proposed new local government system for Islamabad. He was informed that the proposed local government system for the federal capital was aimed at putting in place a system, by empowering the locally elected representatives led by a mayor, which besides the development of federal capital would ensure resolution of problems of the masses.
The prime minister was further briefed that the election of mayor in the new local government system would be done through the direct election.
The responsibility of development projects and routine matters in the federal capital would be assigned to the mayor, he was told. The prime Minister appreciated the proposals regarding the new local government system for the federal capital.
