By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has stressed the need for urgent governmental action to combat climate change, calling for a complete ban on plastic use across Punjab. He was addressing a seminar organized in connection with World Environment Day.
The Speaker said that over the past four decades, green fields have been destroyed due to environmental degradation, particularly in rural areas where there is little awareness about the hazards of plastic. “People still bring milk, yogurt, and other items in plastic bags, unaware of its harmful effects on the environment and human health,” he noted.
Highlighting the situation in Kasur, he revealed that vegetation within a 50-kilometer radius has disappeared, underground water levels have drastically dropped, and young individuals are increasingly falling victim to life-threatening diseases like cancer.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan emphasized that the general public lacks resources and is unable to initiate environmental protection measures on a self-help basis. “The government must take serious and immediate action,” he urged.
He expressed optimism that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz would take a bold and decisive step to ban plastic altogether. “She has a track record of making strict and effective decisions,” he added.
Responding to a question regarding the recently held budget session, the Speaker criticized both sides of the political divide, stating that none of the speeches had any meaningful content. “Only slogans were hurled against each other, while the Assembly should be a place for legislation,” he remarked.
On a positive note, he lauded the “Clean Punjab Program” as a step in the right direction for both rural and urban areas. Drawing a comparison with Beijing, he said it took the Chinese capital ten years to become clean, but consistent efforts made the transformation possible. “If we remain consistent, improvement is achievable,” he said.
The Speaker also praised the federal government and Prime Minister for appointing General Syed Asim Munir as Field Marshal. “This decision is being appreciated not just in Pakistan but internationally as well,” he added.
Agahe Chief Executive Mubarak Ali Sarwar and Parliamentary Secretary Ms. Kanwal also addressed the seminar, reiterating the importance of public awareness and legislative support in protecting the environment.
