By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, has called for immediate government action to address the worsening climate crisis in Punjab, particularly emphasizing the need for a complete ban on plastic. Speaking at a seminar held in connection with World Environment Day, the Speaker warned that climate change has become a grave concern, especially in rural areas where the misuse of plastic is severely damaging the environment.
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He lamented that over the past four decades, lush green agricultural lands have been destroyed. “In rural areas, people continue to use plastic bags for milk, yogurt, and other daily items without realizing how harmful this is,” he said. “This negligence is having a catastrophic effect on both human health and the environment. In places like Kasur, the greenery has disappeared within a 50-kilometer radius, underground water tables are dropping, and youth are falling victim to fatal diseases such as cancer.”
Malik Ahmad Khan stressed that people living in these areas lack the resources to initiate change on their own. “This is why government intervention is crucial,” he stated, adding that he was hopeful that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz would take decisive action and implement a total plastic ban. “She has previously made strong and effective decisions, and I expect her to do the same now.”
Responding to a question regarding the ongoing budget session, the Speaker expressed disappointment, stating that the proceedings lacked substance. “There is no serious debate—just slogans being hurled across the aisles. The Assembly should focus on legislation, not theatrics,” he said.
He also praised the “Clean Punjab Program,” terming it a valuable step for both rural and urban communities. “We can learn from cities like Beijing, which took ten years to clean up. If we remain committed, improvement is achievable.”
During the seminar, Malik Ahmad Khan also commended the federal government and Prime Minister for appointing General Syed Asim Munir as Field Marshal. “This is a historic decision, being appreciated not only in Pakistan but across the globe,” he remarked.
The seminar was also addressed by Agahe Chief Executive Mubarak Ali Sarwar and Parliamentary Secretary Ms. Kanwal, who echoed the Speaker’s concerns and stressed the urgency of joint efforts to combat environmental degradation in Punjab.
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