Pakistan to lead global efforts to tackle climate change: PM Imran

Urges acheiving target of planting 10 billion trees to protect future generations

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that Pakistan must achieve the target of planting 10 billion trees to protect the future generations and play its due role in mitigating global warming.

"Pakistan is among the 10 most vulnerable countries with regard to global warming," the premier said.

His remarks came as he addressed a gathering related to Green Financing Innovations in Islamabad.

"The country must play its part in saving the world from global warming," the PM said urging to grow more national forests, increasing the number of trees and investing in urban forestry.

Citing the example of China and Indonesia, PM imran observed that Pakistan could learn a lot from these countries in terms of green innovations.

"Pakistan's future lies in these efforts! We have taken our natural resources for granted, but now is the time [to care for them]," he remarked.

Read Pakistan hosting 'Environment Day' recognition of our efforts: PM Imran

Premier termed the growth of mangrove forests a good omen for the country. "No other forests witnessed such growth," he said.

"We started the billion tree initiative in 2013, now we have to raise awareness about it," the premier added.

"Pakistan will take the lead in tackling the challenges of global warming and carbon emissions," he said.

The premier warned that if the green cause was ignored today the country will reach a point of no return.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Climate Change as part of the activities related to the World Environment Day activities.

As part of the initiative towards restoring the eco-system, the ministry aims to conduct an evaluation of the country's natural capital and engage with partners for evolving innovative financing instruments.