Leaders rally for green Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their heartfelt greetings to the nation on the eve of Eid ul Fitr. PHOTO: EXPRESS
On the World Environment Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged every citizen, organization, and public institution to unite for a cleaner, greener Pakistan.
In their separate messages, they said the day reminded us of our shared responsibility to protect the planet and secure a sustainable future for the generations to come.
"Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Each year, we face devastating floods, droughts, and heatwaves that displace millions of people. Yet, our contribution to global carbon emissions is less than 1%. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for global climate justice and strong international support," President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying.
Despite limited resources, the president said, Pakistan was taking steps to tackle environmental challenges.
"We are working to mobilize climate finance by combining national efforts with private investment and international support. Key strategic instruments include: The $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility from the IMF, which supports reforms such as a carbon levy, electric vehicle promotion, and improved energy efficiency: the World Bank's Country Partnership Framework (2026-2035), focused on flood resilience, clean energy transition, sustainable agriculture, and better air quality. The 2024 Carbon Market Policy Guidelines aim to attract green private investment. All these efforts align with Pakistan's broader economic transformation plan — Uraan Pakistan," he added.
The president observed that the governments alone could not solve this crisis, stressing that each of them had a role to play.
Prime Minister
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling the plastic pollution an environmental challenge threatening ecosystems, economy, and future generations, reaffirmed his government's commitment to eco-friendly policies, responsible consumption, and stricter plastic regulations.
"Real change begins with each of us — in our homes, our communities, and our choices," the prime minister said.
He said that on the Day, Pakistan joined the international community in reaffirming its commitment to safeguard our planet and pursue sustainable development.
The prime minister said that this year's theme — "Putting an End to Plastic Pollution" — was both timely and urgent.
"Plastic pollution is an environmental challenge that threatens our ecosystems, our economy, and future generations. From choking our rivers and seas to harming marine life and contaminating our food chain, plastic waste has reached alarming levels across the globe — and Pakistan is no exception. This calls for a bold and collective action," he remarked.
He said that the Day should serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility — to ourselves and to the generations yet to come.

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