LAHORE: On the recommendation of Ministry of Climate Change, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has accorded approval to a new distinct category for the civil award in “Environment”, in view of the extraordinary services towards environmental protection and conservation. This was stated by Climate Change Minister Zahid Hamid Khan on Wednesday.
Zahid Hamid believes that climate change has become a real global threat and Pakistan is experiencing its worst impacts. Pakistan in recent years has been impacted by increased and frequently extreme climate events like devastating floods and intense heat wave incidents, he said, adding that efforts undertaken by individuals and organisations in the field ought to be acknowledged, much like in other countries where prestigious awards are given in recognition of significant achievements.
Zahid said that it is time to encourage individuals and organisations working for the betterment of the environment and the addition of Environment category in the list of civil awards would help in recognising their unprecedented efforts.
He further said that climate change-related losses suffered by the country were estimated to be one billion rupees per day.
Zahid added that deforestation, land degradation, massive air, water and land pollution, loss of wildlife habitats and biodiversity were the country’s major environmental issues. “In the light of such massive threats, numerous individuals and organisations are striving and making efforts to cope with impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, which must be recognised at the state level”, Zahid indicated.
He added that brave individuals had dedicated their lives fighting against timber and mangrove mafias. Others have been promoting renewable energy, environmental education, forestation, water conservation and other similar efforts to save the planet,”
He said that in view of his commitment to environmental protection at the UN-led global climate change conference in Paris in 2015, Nawaz Sharif has added this new category to civil awards.
According to a spokesman of the Ministry of Climate Change, the Pakistani civil awards are to be given in the following fields: engineering, public service, science, gallantry, sports, education, medicine, health, literature, special athletics, arts and journalism.
The environmental experts and activists have appreciated the government for this new category. They believe that this step will not only encourage the individuals and organisations to highlight the environmental issues prevailing in the country but it would also help to create awareness among the public at large.