ISLAMABAD: National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Monday, organised a seminar to mark the World Environment Day, chaired by Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister highlighted the escalating issue of plastic pollution in the country.

She shared relevant facts and figures on plastic pollution while also giving an insight into the initiatives on the government level. Source reduction, circular economy, and effective incorporation of the “7 Rs”— rethink, refuse, reduce, repurpose, reuse, repair, and recycle of plastic waste management were encouraged by the minister.

She called for practical actions to beat plastic pollution. Rehman urged to move beyond slogans, inculcate a culture of new habits, and reduce the gap between the saying and doing.

Farzana Altaf Shah, Director General Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, called for a systematic change in the behavior of production and consumption.

Vice Admiral Asif Khaliq (Retd), Rector Bahria University, called upon the governments and other stakeholders for effective implementation of policies and frameworks related to reducing and managing plastic pollution in Pakistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023