The World Environment Day was observed on Monday, globally, including Pakistan with the theme “Connecting to Nature”, aiming to preserve the nature.
All international and national organizations and institutions working on environment have warned time and again regarding Pakistan’s vulnerability to the prevailing environmental issues. On the eve of the environment day, where other parts of the world seemed to have been observing it with new promises, unfortunately in Pakistan, Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) remained silent. There was not a single activity arranged the MoCC in the Capital city, Islamabad, or any in other city of the country which shows how disinterested the ministry was, in regards to this day.
In Karachi, the major event was held by Pakistan Navy (PN). The PN arranged different activities to highlight the importance of the day. These activities included lectures on the significance of the day, designing of banners, essay writing, chart making competitions and cleaning campaigns in harbours and coasts. The PN officials and public participated in the event.
According to sources in the PN, the purpose of this activity was to promote awareness among the public and concerned departments on marine environment. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zakaullah, in his message, reaffirmed PN’s commitment to making every effort for the betterment of environment, especially in the maritime domain. He emphasized that the conduct of Pakistanis in their professional and private lives should be in line with the practices and principles that are required for the protection, preservation and conservation of the environment. He further stated that the PN will continue to play its due role in this regard and contribute to the national cause.
In Lahore, two events were organised in the city. The first event was at College of Earth and Environmental Science (CEES) Punjab University, where prominent environmental experts highlighted the importance of the day and suggested suitable solutions to cope with the environmental issues in the country. Addressing the audience, CEES principal Dr Sajid Rashid Ahmad said that without the cooperation of the public, the dream of preserving nature cannot be fulfilled. He said that with the passage of time and increase in the usage of technology, Pakistan may cause irreparable damage to nature. “We will have to spend our time on environment so that we can preserve nature.” he added.
Talking to Pakistan Today he said that Pakistan was blessed with countless natural resources but authorities’ negligence has put it on the surge of devastation. He said that CEES has set a strategy to involve people to cope with the environmental challenges besides giving suggestions to the concerned authorities.
Another event was arranged by the Punjab Environment Protection Department in which Admin Director Taseer Ahmad created a mess and literally misbehaved with the people. Interestingly, the program was organized in English and the audience could not be able to understand anything as audio system of the hall was of very poor quality. This very event was attended by Environment Minister Zakya Shahnawaz, EPD Secretary Capt (retd) Saif Anjum, environment expert Ahmad Rafay Alam and others.