‘Nation will become cleaner than Europe’
Imran reiterates government’s resolve to plant 10 billion trees in next five years
Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday reiterated his government’s resolve to plant 10 billion trees in the country to counter climate change and to “change the weather patterns”.
Water levels in Pakistan’s big cities have depleted to around 60 metres, Khan said, citing Lahore as an example. “At one point, it was at 100 feet [30 metres] only. We need to keep it in check from going down further,” he said.
The Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) founder-chairman shared these views after launching the “Clean & Green Pakistan” campaign at a school in Islamabad.
To mark the occasion, Khan not only planted a sapling but also helped to clean the school premises as a symbolic gesture, to inspire the public to involve themselves in environment-friendly acts.
He said, over the next five years, the country would become cleaner than Europe.
“For this to happen, everyone among us would have to change his mind and take the cleanliness of his home and surroundings as his personal obligation,” Khan said.
Giving the example of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Khan said the PTI government planted one billion trees in KP, a drive that was internationally recognised.
The PM added: “Through concerted efforts, we would be able to prevent the deteriorating conditions from climate change and global warming.”