President of Society for Human Rights & Environment Protection (SHEP), Saeed Rajput has said that there is need to create awareness among nation to tackle the challenges relating climate change.
He was addressing a three-day workshop on Environmental Laws & Climate Changes organized by the NGO SHEP. The workshop was participated by Mr. Sardar Muhammad Ali Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan, Dr. MehboobNizami Chairman Nizami Health & Education Welfare Foundation and Mr. Ghulam Abbas Usmani Advocate High Court.
Saeed Rajput further stated that the field of agriculture has been greatly affected by global warming, and there was a need to pay more attention to this sector.
He emphasized that although environmental laws exist in Pakistan, there was a need to raise awareness about their implementation. Advocates play an important role in enforcing social laws, and the purpose of this workshop was to mobilize them for the enforcement of environmental laws, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Advocate Supreme Court Sardar Muhammad Ali stated that Pakistan has environmental laws in place, but the mechanism for their implementation was lacking. Floods in Pakistan have primarily affected the agricultural sector. There are two causes of floods in Pakistan: river inundation and increased rainfall frequency, he added.
He said, “Modern science has discovered several measures to combat both causes, but unfortunately, Pakistan has not done enough in this regard. It is necessary for us, as a nation, to be aware and prepared to tackle climate change challenges.
I would like to propose some suggestions to not only address the challenges of the modern era but also to raise awareness among the nation regarding climate change and implement initiatives at the district level. Raising awareness to reduce the use of smoke-emitting vehicles, imposing restrictions on polythene bags, and launching tree plantation campaigns to preserve the environment and promote human health.”
Advocate Sardar Muhammad Ali said, “We must awaken to address the dangers of climate change. Institutions responsible for reporting the weather conditions of Pakistan should update their systems using the latest machinery and equipment.
Take timely measures to inform rural areas about possible rainfall and to minimize damage. Environmental laws need to be made aware to the public. Public awareness campaigns should be conducted at the district level to ensure the proper functioning of drainage systems for rainfall water disposal.”
In his address, Chairman of the Military Health and Education Welfare Organization Dr. Mahboob Nazami stated that he hopes that from now on, we will consider the importance of environmental laws in our lives and take necessary actions to protect our environment.
The primary objective of these workshops is to train participants on the designated topic and make society aware of it, contributing to the betterment of society.—INP
