LAHORE: Ethiopian Ambassador Jamal Bakar Abdullah has said that the Ethiopian government will provide full support to the Punjab government in the green sector to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
He expressed these views while addressing a seminar, “grand dialogue on the green legacy initiative” that was organised by the Parks and Horticulture Authority on Friday. Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Bilal Yasin, PHA DG officials, environmental experts, and students attended the dialogue session.
The ambassador praised the initiatives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, especially the tree plantation campaigns, adding that Pakistan and Ethiopia share brotherly ties in terms of history and religion.
On this occasion, the minister noted that climate change has significantly affected Pakistan due to rising incidents of deforestation. He commented on how the country is facing severe consequences from climate change in the current century, manifesting in the form of smog, excessive rainfall, and cloudbursts, which are causing increasing losses.
He also highlighted that the chief minister has prioritised forest restoration and tree planting initiatives, adding that the government has launched projects like the Miyawaki Forests and the “Lungs of Lahore” to improve air quality in the city.
“The target is to plant 51 million native trees across the province by the end of the financial year 2025-26, which is expected to be achieved soon. The government is establishing parks and horticulture authorities in all districts of Punjab to promote these efforts,” he added.
Yasin reiterated that all actions being taken by the Punjab government are aimed at increasing greenery, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. He concluded by stating that Ethiopia and Pakistan can join hands to create a greener and healthier future for their people.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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