ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and climate resilience, calling for collective national and global efforts to tackle the growing threats posed by climate change.
In his message on the occasion of World Environment Day, being observed today (Friday), the prime minister said Pakistan joined the international community in renewing its resolve to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future for coming generations.
He said this year’s theme, “Climate Action,” served as a powerful reminder that effective international cooperation was indispensable for safeguarding the environment and addressing the escalating risks associated with climate change.
“The increasing environmental threats facing the planet underscore the urgent need for comprehensive global strategies and coordinated action,” the prime minister said.
Highlighting the growing impacts of climate change, he noted that devastating floods, prolonged droughts, extreme heatwaves, glacial melting, water scarcity and air pollution had demonstrated that climate change was no longer a distant concern but a harsh reality affecting millions of people around the world.
The prime minister observed that Pakistan remained among the countries most vulnerable to climate change despite contributing only a negligible share to global greenhouse gas emissions. He said the country was paying a heavy human and economic cost due to environmental degradation and climate-related disasters.
He stressed that collective commitment and cooperation at the individual, governmental and international levels were essential to effectively address these challenges.
Shehbaz Sharif said the government was firmly committed to promoting renewable energy, restoring forests, conserving biodiversity, improving water resource management, reducing pollution, encouraging climate-smart agriculture and supporting green industries.
He added that policies were being implemented to restore natural ecosystems and strengthen environmental sustainability across the country.
The prime minister underscored the crucial role of youth in building a greener, safer and climate-resilient Pakistan, saying their energy, innovation and potential would be instrumental in shaping a sustainable future.
“Empowering young people through knowledge, technology and opportunities is key to fostering environmental awareness and building a progressive and sustainable society,” he remarked.
Calling climate resilience and environmental protection a national responsibility, the prime minister urged citizens, institutions, businesses, farmers and all stakeholders associated with the agriculture sector to play their part in safeguarding natural resources.
On World Environment Day, he appealed to the nation to renew its commitment to adopting environmentally responsible lifestyles, emphasizing water and energy conservation, tree plantation and wildlife protection as national priorities.
The prime minister expressed confidence that through collective determination and united action, Pakistan could build a greener, cleaner, healthier and climate-resilient future for generations to come.