Islamabad (Web Desk): The International Earth Day was observed on Monday across the globe including Pakistan.
The theme of the day this year is "Planet vs. Plastics".
The aim of the day is to create awareness about the use of plastic, its impacts on the environment, to reduce plastic dependency and make the earth plastic-free.
In his message on International Earth Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appealed the nation to reduce the use of plastics, embrace recycling and eco-friendly alternatives and advocate for stronger environmental policies at every level of society.
“We have initiated an exhaustive consultative process with the ministries, provincial environment departments, ICT administration, industries and other relevant stakeholders for developing Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023 as well as restriction on use of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles in federal ministries and divisions,” the premier said.
PM Shehbaz said that these initiatives underscore our commitment towards promoting a sustainable circular economy for plastics by reducing waste, consumption, and encouraging reuse, recycling, and material recovery.
“Though Pakistan is among one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, there is little awareness about the risks of climate change that threaten the development, the well-being and economic-security of our citizens,” he said.
The premier said that the effects of climate change have exacerbated over the years, which puts us at an even greater economic and physical risk.
He said the government understands the urgency of taking bold and decisive steps to confront these challenges and build resilience in the face of adversity.
“Pakistan will continue it strive towards building a sustainable, cleaner and greener future,” PM Shehbaz asserted.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed April 22 as International Mother Earth Day through a resolution adopted in 2009.
The Day recognizes the Earth and its ecosystems as humanity's common home and the need to protect her to enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity.