ISLAMABAD: Pakistan yesterday called for strengthened international cooperation to address the growing challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, reaffirming its commitment to environmental protection and climate resilience on the occasion of World Environment Day.
Deputy Prime Minister's Message
In a message marking the day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan joined the international community in reflecting on the urgent need to protect the planet and enhance collective efforts to confront the climate crisis. He noted that despite being among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Pakistan has continued to demonstrate resilience in the face of recurring floods, accelerating glacial melt, prolonged droughts, heatwaves and increasing water stress.
Call for Global Action
The DPM stressed the importance of sustaining and deepening international cooperation to tackle interconnected environmental challenges, emphasizing that global efforts should be guided by the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Highlighting Pakistan's domestic initiatives, Dar said the government remained committed to placing environmental protection at the centre of its policy priorities.
Domestic Initiatives
Upcoming budget should be truly people-friendly: Nawabzada Mansoor. He described the constitutional recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a fundamental right of every citizen as a significant milestone in the country's environmental agenda. He said Pakistan was advancing climate-resilient housing projects, accelerating the transition towards clean energy and promoting environmentally responsible and sustainable construction practices as part of broader efforts to strengthen resilience against climate-related risks.
Collective Responsibility
The DPM observed that the scale and complexity of the climate challenge underscored the need for collective global action and stronger international partnerships to safeguard the environment for future generations. General polls to be held in AJK on July 27. Dar also expressed appreciation to the Government of Azerbaijan for hosting this year's World Environment Day activities, commending the country's leadership in promoting international cooperation and constructive dialogue on climate and environmental issues.
