…………….vows to make Pakistan clean, green with nation’s support
……………..launches clean, green Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (DNA): Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has
reaffirmed the government’s commitment to make Pakistan clean and green
with the support of masses.
He was addressing a ceremony in connection with the launch of Clean
Green Pakistan Index in Islamabad on Monday.
It aims at improving overall green and clean outlook of the Pakistani
cities by kicking off competition amongst them on various indicators.
Imran Khan said every segment of the society including the
administration, the elected representatives and the youth should become
part of the clean and green initiative to fight environmental
degradation and protect the future of this country.
He said it was due to the participation of the people that we planted
one billion trees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over a period of five years. Now
we will make the entire country green with particular focus on the
cities where specific areas will be identified for plantation.
The Prime Minister said the government will gradually increase funds for
this campaign.
Imran Khan said that an efficient local bodies system is also being
introduced in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. This system
envisages empowerment of the people at the grassroots level. He said the
elected representatives at the village level will also be made part of
the regional level competitions on environmental indicators.
Describing the pollution as the silent killer, the Prime Minister
regretted that Lahore has become the second or third most polluted
cities in the world as no effort was made in the past to protect its
environment. He said the last ten years saw the city losing seventy
percent of its green cover.
Imran Khan said this country is blessed with immense resources including
twelve climatic zones, fertile land and natural resources. He said we
need to value these resources in order to help the country stand on its
own feet. He said given the immense beauty of the country, it will be
made a destination for tourism.
Addressing the ceremony, Adviser to Prime Minister on Climate Change
Malik Amin Aslam said the government is committed to make Pakistan a
clean and green country.
He said in the first phase of this drive, healthy cleanliness
competition will be conducted in 19 cities. He said students from
schools and universities are being engaged in the drive. He urged
general public to make this drive success.
The Adviser said the youth of country should register and participate in
this drive and the government will recognize and reward those who
actively participate.
