Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has called for collective efforts to protect the ozone layer, saying that its preservation was essential for safeguarding the future of coming generations.
In her message on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, she said the ozone layer served as a natural shield against the sun’s harmful rays, while measures to protect it were also necessary to address environmental changes.
She said the Punjab government had, for the first time, implemented a comprehensive environmental policy for a green future and was taking practical steps under its vision of a “Clean and Green Punjab”.
CM Maryam Nawaz said tree plantation, elimination of smog and promotion of green energy were among the government’s top priorities. She said plantation had been carried out over 50,000 acres in Punjab, with 50 million trees planted.
Under the clean energy vision, she said, green electric bus services were being extended to every district and tehsil, while electric bikes were also being provided to students, women and the general public. A Green Taxi service had also been introduced to promote environment-friendly transportation.
The CM said the Punjab government had undertaken more environmental protection work in the last two and a half years than had been achieved in several decades. She said Punjab was moving towards a greener and healthier future and vowed that the journey towards a safe environment would continue.
CM Maryam Nawaz appealed to the public, particularly the youth, to adopt environment-friendly lifestyles and play their role in protecting the ozone layer, saying that environmental protection was not only a responsibility but also an act of service.
