PM underscores plantation to offset global warming effects
KARACHI- Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that Pakistan ranks 8th among counties most affected by global warming, fearing that the upcoming generations would have to face its dire consequences, if more and more trees are not grown.
“Sindh needs more and more plantation to offset the rate on which trees have been cut and forest land grabbed,” the prime minister emphasised while speaking at the inauguration of Bagh Ibne Qasim opened after restoration and renovation on Saturday.
The premier performed the inauguration with the planting of a sapling.
Speaking on the occasion, the PM stressed the need for more such places and green areas for citizens.
Flanked by Sindh Governor Imran Ismail and Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar, Imran Khan said that the government has planned planting 10 billion trees across the country in the next five years, adding that the Environment Minister has been tasked with to remain in touch with the Sindh government and the local government of Karachi.
The premier asked the citizens to participate in the campaign launched by the federal government for tree plantation. “There is a need for preserving the available green areas and a proper strategy should be devised in this regard,” he stressed. The premier went on to say that construction on vacant lands should be banned and instead the government should plant trees there. Appreciating Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar for his efforts to restore and renovate Bagh Ibne Qasim, Imran Khan said that he is quite amazed to see such a “wonderful park and Akhtar deserved to be lauded as he has done brilliant job for the people of Karachi.” “It is very important for Karachiites that their green areas should be preserved as well as more such places are established. Our children should be provided friendly environment,” the premier underscored. “Along with parks, playing grounds are also need of the hour for our children,” Imran pointed out and quoted legend cricketer Javed Miandad as informing that “now the number of stadium has decreased considerably as stadiums of his era were encroached.”
The prime minister regretted that now Karachi depicts the look of “a concrete slap” as greenery has vanished from the metropolis.
Meanwhile, the Sindh governor expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for announcing Karachi package and said that the development of Pakistan lies on the development of Karachi. He said that tree plantation would assist them to cater the climatic change.