PM urges world to protect ecosystem, environment

GOVT TO PLAY DUE ROLE TO FULFIL SINDH’S DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS

Prime Minister Imran Khan has appealed to the world community to come together to protect the ecosystem and environment for coming generations.

Virtually addressing the launch of the Gala for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration on Friday, the prime minister said that rapidly depleting tree cover and degradation of the environment need to be stopped.

Highlighting Pakistan's contribution in protecting the environment, the prime minister said, “We have completed the Billion Tree Tsunami project and now we are pursuing another target of growing ten billion trees.” He said that his government has also started another ambitious programme of increasing national parks in the country and so far nine such facilities have been established in various parts of the country.

Imran said that the government is also focusing on increasing mangroves cover, which conserves the greatest amount of oxygen. He said, “We also want to restore our wetlands by using floodwater to raise the water table and replenish the aquifer.”

The prime minister expressed the hope to create green jobs for youth, especially women. He said, “We managed to give 80,000 green jobs to our people, especially women, in remote areas, where they plant nurseries.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan is hosting World Environment Day in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme on Saturday.

This year's observance of World Environment Day will be on the theme of "ecosystem restoration" and focus on resetting our relation with nature. The day will be celebrated across the world through various events and activities, in line with latest Covid-19 regulations.

As host of World Environment Day, Pakistan will highlight environmental issues and showcase the country's own initiatives and its role in global efforts.

Led by Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan is fully committed to playing a leadership role in addressing the issue of climate change through various projects and initiatives. The day will also mark the formal launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030.

The UN Decade is intended to massively scale up the restoration of degraded and destroyed ecosystems to fight the climate crisis, prevent the loss of a million species and enhance food security, water supply and livelihoods.

Major corporations, non-governmental organizations, communities, governments and celebrities from across the world adopt the World Environment Day to champion environmental causes. Held annually since 1974, the day has also become a vital platform for promoting progress on the environmental dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goal.

SINDH’S DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS:

Separately, Prime Minister Imran said that the federal government will play its due role to fulfil developmental needs of the people of Sindh.

Talking to a delegation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-pakistan (MQM-P) on Friday, the prime minister said that Karachi is an economic hub and its development is imperative for the progress of the country.

The prime minister assured the delegation that development needs of Karachi and Hyderabad will be considered in the upcoming budget preparation. He said that harmonised coordination between the coalition parties will play a pivotal role in solving problems of the people of Sindh, especially Karachi.

The delegation members reiterated their support for the budget and presented their suggestions. Sindh Governor Imran Ismail was also present in the meeting.

Meanwhile, the members of National Assembly and Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTI) leaders belonging to different areas of the country called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and discussed the overall political situation and matters pertaining to their constituencies.

Those who called on the Prime Minister included Special Assistant on Political Affairs Malik Amir Dogar, Minister for Economic Affairs Umar Ayub Khan, MNA Muhammad Shafiq Arain, Nawab Amanullah Khan, Dr Sher Muhammad Awan, Iffat Tahira Soomro, Shanila Roth, Nusrat Wahid, Riaz Fatyana and Ghulam Bibi Bharwana.

Minister for Economic Affairs Umar Ayub Khan discussed the progress on development schemes in Haripur.

During the meeting, the premier commended the proposals pertaining to promotion of tourism, provision of low-cost houses and establishment of a digital city in Haripur. He directed to complete the ongoing projects in the stipulated period.