Pakistan Today (Lahore)

GOVT EMBARKING ON NEXT PHASE OF GREEN PAKISTAN INITIATIVE: PM SHEHBAZ

- ISLAMABAD Staff Report

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that the government is embarking on the next phase of its ambitious Green Pakistan Initiative to improve forest cover, preserve wildlife habitats, and facilitate carbon sequestrat­ion.

In his message on Internatio­nal Day of Forests, he said the government will ensure that the country’s crucial forest ecosystems are protected as they are the lifeline of livelihood and environmen­tal well-being of the nation.

The Prime Minister called upon the provincial government­s, civil society and the people to become partners in the quest for Green Pakistan.

Shehbaz Sharif pointed out that

Pakistan’s total area under forest cover is less than 5 percent, and around 1.5 percent of these forests are lost every year.

This, he said, has profound impacts on Pakistan’s biodiversi­ty, environmen­t and agricultur­e. Being one of the most climateimp­acted countries in the world, he said climate change events are becoming more frequent and massively devastatin­g for Pakistan, pointing to the urgent need to conserve our indigenous forests. This has become critical to our survival as a nation. He urged the nation to synergize their efforts in safeguardi­ng this invaluable resource and ensure its effective stewardshi­p for the next generation.

Our government is embarking on the next phase of our ambitious Green Pakistan Initiative which was first launched by PMLN-LED government in 2016 to improve forest cover and concerted efforts were made for conservati­on of biodiversi­ty in Pakistan.

In its next phase, the Green Pakistan Initiative aims to improve the forest cover, preserve wildlife habitats and help carbon sequestrat­ion. Given the important role that forests play in the environmen­t, let us resolve to protect and conserve them.

I would reaffirm Government of Pakistan’s firm commitment to undertake all necessary steps to preserve and improve forest cover in Pakistan. We will ensure that our crucial forest ecosystems all over Pakistan are protected as they are the lifeline of livelihood and environmen­tal well-being of our nation. I call upon the provincial government­s, civil society and all our citizens to become our partners in our quest for Green Pakistan. Today is about investing in our future. I urge the nation to synergize their efforts in safeguardi­ng this invaluable resource and ensure its effective stewardshi­p for our next generation, he added.

Targeting Gwadar aims to disrupt Pakistan’s economic progress

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscore­d that those who targeted the peace of Gwadar, aimed at disrupting

Pakistan’s economic progress and causing suffering to its people.

In a statement, the premier highlighte­d the exceptiona­l bravery and profession­al prowess displayed by security forces in confrontin­g attackers, emphasizin­g that such actions deserve the utmost praise.

He expressed his heartfelt appreciati­on to the security forces for their successful thwarting of the attack on Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Complex.

The Prime Minister conveyed deep respect for the security forces personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice during the operation against terrorists.

He emphasized that these courageous individual­s, who laid down their lives in the battle against terrorism, are upholding the integrity of Pakistan.

Shehbaz Sharif extended solidarity and heartfelt condolence­s to the families of the martyrs. He commended the commendabl­e bravery of the security forces and their timely response, which led to the failure of the attack and the eliminatio­n of the attackers.

Shehbaz Sharif expressed firm resolve that, with the grace of Allah Almighty and the unwavering support of the nation, all internal and external conspiraci­es against Pakistan will be thwarted.

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