National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has said that global climate change was a major threat to the planet and future generations.
Addressing the closing ceremony of “Third Inter-Parliamentary Union Regional Seminar on Achieving Sustainable Development Goals for Parliaments of Asia-Pacific,” he thanked the member countries for showing unwavering solidarity with the people of Pakistan in the current difficult time. The speaker termed the move of the National Assembly of Pakistan a resounding success to make members of the Asia-Pacific region agreed for presenting an emergency resolution at the forthcoming IPU General Assembly in Rwanda.
He informed the participants of the event that Pakistan faced record monsoon rains and melting glaciers in northern mountains that triggered floods. Climate Change Risk Index of 2021 reports that Pakistan ranked eighth among countries most vulnerable to climate crisis despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions.
He also stressed, “Parliamentarians have the important role in supporting and overseeing the implementation of SDGs.
The speaker also claimed that uncompromising resolve to implement the SDGs national plan would make this planet more livable, prosperous and safer place for future generations. Convener SDGs MNA Ms Romina Khursheed Alam also drew the attention of participants to devastating floods that had affected one-third of the country and impacted over 33 million people.
She also requested the Speaker to move an emergency item at the forthcoming IPU General Assembly in Rwanda to highlight the plight of the flood-affected people of Pakistan and the consequences of climate degradation.
In his remarks, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Finance Saleem- Mandviwalla called for serious efforts to deal with the issue of climate change.
In his remarks, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Finance Saleem- Mandviwalla called for serious efforts to deal with the issue of climate change.
