Zartaj Gul (Minister of State for Climate Change): I would like to congratulate every Pakistani as the world is acknowledging the role of Islamabad in efforts to deal with the challenge of climate change. Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision is to make Pakistan Clean and Green through a number of initiatives, including 10 billion Tsunami Tree project. Prime minister is aware that Pakistan is among the most vulnerable countries as far as climate change is concerned. The world is also following the initiatives of Pakistani government. Saudi Arabia is willing to initiate such projects in cooperation with Islamabad. There are many countries that are willing to join and support various green initiatives launched under Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of Clean and Green Pakistan. We are committed to protect the environment through enhanced cooperation and collaboration. Pakistan is focusing on projects relating to forestry, renewable energy, water, and disaster management to fulfill Prime Minister’s world-acclaimed vision of clean, green and climate-resilient country. Moreover, by 2030, 60% of all energy produced in the country will be clean and through renewable resources.

Ijaz Ahmed (Environmentalist): It is an honor for Pakistan that it is being recognized as a leading country in fight against climate change. International Environment Day is a global event and is celebrated across the globe every year. Pakistan has been given the opportunity to host the event this year. The projects of the present government in this regard, including Clean and Green Pakistan, Billion Tree Tsunami and others, are commendable. The global temperature is rising rapidly and the glaciers are melting. Main reasons for this are deforestation, growing industrialization and increasing levels of pollution. Unfortunately, Pakistan is among the countries with high deforestation rate. There is a dire need for water management that will be helpful in promoting agricultural sector.

Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Ikramullah Bhatti (Defense Analyst): India is committing extra-judicial killing of innocent Kashmiris through systematic planning. Moreover, Indian government is rehabilitating Indian citizens in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir to change its demography. The Indian brutal forces are specifically targeting youth in Kashmir against international and humanitarian norms. It is a good development that Kashmir issue has been internationalized and is being discussed in parliaments around world. The voices against Indian policies are rising within India and in support of Kashmiris. Gradually, international public opinion on Kashmir issue is changing and is forcing different countries to mount pressure on New Delhi to respect human rights in IIOJ&K. It is unfortunate that United States is supporting India in its brutal acts for the sake of business interests. The time is not far when the Kashmiris will get freedom from illegal Indian occupation.