Plantation drive inaugurated in Media town
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is facing environmental degradation due to deforestation hence concrete measures are needed to rectify the situation, moreover, global warming is another major factor contributing to the climatic changes.
This was stated by the Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi while inaugurating a tree plantation campaign in Media Town here on Monday.
President, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Pervaiz Shaukat, representatives of print and electronic media, high officials of Ministry of Environment, general public and children from different schools participated in the drive.
Afridi said that to achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) following steps must be taken, increasing the forest cover from 5 to 6 percent by year 2015, mobilising all sectors of the society towards planting more trees along with strict forest conservation measures. Federal Minister said that environmental issues could not be ignored adding that we all are equally responsible for environmental degradation.
“Government is committed to facing this challenge but support of the media is required in this regard”, he added. Federal Minister said that the government launched tree plantation campaign in Media Town so that greenery may increase in this area and through this activity environmental awareness may be promoted. He emphasised that maintaining cleanliness and tree plantation is ‘Sadka-e-Jaria.’
He urged the media persons to own this responsibility not only for today, but also for coming generations. He said that on August 18, 2010, National Tree Plantation Campaign would be launched with full zeal. The minister was ensured that during the campaign, one hundred thousand saplings would be planted in Media Town. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said that last year, over 54 million saplings were planted during the drive and this year’s target has been fixed at planting 58 million saplings.
Federal Minister also mentioned that Green Journalists Award has been revived and Environment Journalist Forum has also been constituted. He requested the media to come forward and play its due role in this mission, however, he appreciated the role of the media for doing great job in creating environmental awareness and mobilising masses towards the cause of protecting environment.
Moreover, Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi ensured all possible co-operation and co-ordination of Ministry of Environment in this connection. Earlier, Federal Minister launched the tree plantation campaign by planting “Sukh Chain” sapling and prayed for achieving a greener Pakistan. Federal Secretary of Environment Javed Malik, President Press Club Afzal Butt and Ex-President Press Club and Supervisor Media Society, Mushtaq Minhas also addressed on this occasion.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:2/23/2010
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