ISLAMABAD: The government has resolved to make solid efforts for achieving environment-related millennium development goals in order to ensure healthy living conditions for the people.
Federal Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid expressed these views while talking to media, on the sidelines of 13th meeting of the governing council of South Asia here on Sunday,
he said the government has adopted a number of sound policy measures including National Environment Policy, National Climate Change Policy, to deal with environmental challenges and effects of climate change.
Replying to a question, he seconded the statement of Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz that the presence of Indian forces on Siachen Glacier is a serious threat to the environment of Pakistan.
"Pakistan is a country facing water shortage and Indian forces are damaging the virgin snow of Siachen on daily basis, which was one of the largest sources of Pakistani waters".
Zahid Hamid said over 1 billion people depend upon the Himalayas, as a source of fresh water through the mighty rivers of Indus Ganges and Brahamputra.
He said the economies of different countries in the region are growing at a rapid rate, but they are also facing severe environmental problems. They are witnessing a huge increase in climate-induced catastrophes, he added.
"Regional cooperation and a collaborative approach represent the way forward to overcome common challenges".
About the meeting of the governing council of South Asia, the Minister said "Conference will strengthen regional cooperation for promotion of impact assessment in South Asia.
"We must endeavor that the results of such conferences are comprehensive measures for regional environmental protection, including environmental impact assessment, and are implemented efficiently and effectively", he said.
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