ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Saturday hosted World Environment Day in collaboration with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and urged the world to “join hands to protect environment and reset relationship with nature.”
This year's World Environment Day was observed under the theme of "Ecosystem Restoration" and focus on resetting our relation with nature.
Apart from Pakistan, the day was observed across the world with related activities having taken place worldwide.
An official statement said, as host of World Environment Day, Pakistan highlighted 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. Globally acknowledged and fully committed to playing a leadership role in ecosystem restoration, Pakistan urges the world to join hands to protect environment and reset relationship with nature,” said Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Saturday.
It specifically mentioned of 10 Billion Tree Tsunami project as a significant achievement, on the occasion of World Environment Day.
“The revolutionary 10 Billion Tree Tsunami project has not only revived forest cover but has also helped local communities in earning sustainable livelihood and provided 83,000 jobs amid Covid-19,” the PMO said in a statement.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam said that international community hailed the steps taken by Pakistan against the environmental pollution.
Speaking to media on Saturday, he said collective efforts were needed to address the environmental issues at global level.
He said Pakistan had launched the Billion Tree Tsunami project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to restore its forests and to fight the global warming effects.
He appreciated the role of youth, especially the students, for successfully launching Green Pakistan project across the country.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said the international institutions have deeply appreciated Pakistan's resolve regarding environment.
In his message on the occasion of World Environment Day, he said the government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) took the initiative of green environmental revolution through restoration and promotion of forests and large-scale plantation.
The information minister said the word ‘billion tree' has become the recognition of Pakistan and many other countries are also following this project.
PM Khan is sensitising the youth and world about the importance of environmental improvement and his efforts regarding improving the environment and planting trees have internationally been acknowledged, he said.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib, on the occasion of World Environment Day, says Prime Minister Imran Khan has emerged as a global leader by taking pragmatic steps with regard to the climate change.
In a statement, he said, after completing the challenge of one billion trees, the government will also fulfil the challenge of planting ten billion trees. Farrukh Habib said the green diplomacy is opening the new vistas of relations with the world and the international forums are recognising Pakistan's efforts for protection of environment.
“Pakistan would continue to abide by its commitments regarding climate change,” Habib said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021