ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister has said that climate change poses serious economic threats to Pakistan.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said in a message on the occasion of Earth Day 2024 that today Earth Day is being celebrated all over the world including Pakistan. The main purpose of celebrating this day is to remind all of us of our responsibility to protect the planet and reiterate our commitment to protect this planet for future generations.
He said that the Earth Day 2024 is being celebrated with the theme of Planet vs Plastics, the aim of which is to reduce the use of plastic by 60% by 2040. Today, let us commit to responsible use of plastic. Indiscriminate use of plastic is not only polluting our streams, rivers and seas, but it is directly becoming a big threat to human health by being added to our food.
He said that although Pakistan is one of the countries most affected by climate change, there is a lack of awareness regarding the adverse effects of climate change on our country’s development and prosperity and the threats to the economic security of the common man. . Every passing year, the harmful effects of climate change are increasing, as a result of which Pakistan is facing severe threats, especially economic threats. Keeping this in mind, we are taking decisive and sustainable measures to control these threats.
Shahbaz Sharif said that the government has made the (Anti) Single-Use Plastic Regulations 2023 and has imposed a complete ban on the use of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles in all federal ministries.
He said that for a plastic-free society and to reduce the pollution caused by plastic in Pakistan, it is necessary to discourage its use at the overall level. The role of provincial and local governments in preventing the use of single-use plastics is also very key. I will appeal to all the stakeholders to play their role for the protection of our country and the planet.
He further said that I also appeal to all my Pakistanis to support the government in this important mission. Let’s all play our part in giving up the use of single-use plastic, using environmentally friendly alternatives, recycling and applying integrated policies in the society for environmental protection.
