Keeping environment clean is combined responsibility

ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP):Minister of State for Interior, Shehryar Khan Afridi Tuesday said it was a collective responsibility to keep environment clean and avoid sufferings because of polluted atmosphere.

Addressing a Clean and Green Islamabad: Ideas Competition here at Islamabad Model College for Girls (IMCG), F-7/2, he said, everyone was aware of losses, the environmental degradation was causing in the Capital, but unfortunately no one paid any heed to redressing of environmental issues in past.

Shehryar Afridi said, "I feel proud our children in educational institutions are giving a message that how we can get more benefits from Clean and Green Pakistan programme."

"We have to create awareness among the masses regarding environmental hazards. We need to pledge that every individual of family should plant a sapling at least once a month. 

The solid waste should be separated at household level and for this purpose, citizenry should be sensitized on rudiments of recycling and the need to separate the waste."

He said provision of clean environment to people is not only a responsibility but also a religious obligation, adding that government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) launched a billion tree project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and now in New Pakistan the central government was heading towards 10 billion trees project.

Moreover, comprehensive, short, medium and long-term plans were being devised for making the Capital clean and rescuing its environment from degradation.

The minister said, "We have to balance needs of development with nature conservation and provide opportunities for creation of green jobs. The number-one agenda of PTI government is to invest for  humanity and we need to give dignity to every human. You, the young generation, should play role for better and prosperous Pakistan."

Principal of College, Dr Nasreen, Vice Principal Dr Asifa Raheem, Deputy Mayor Islamabad, Zeeshan Naqvi, representatives of Ministry of Interior, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, Capital Development Authority (CDA) attended the event.