LAHORE: (Wednesday, June 04, 2025): Parliamentary Secretary for Environmental Protection, Climate Change, Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Kanwal Pervaiz has said that climate change has become the biggest challenge of this century and Pakistan is at the top among the affected countries. She was addressing a seminar organized by the Punjab University College of Earth and Environmental Sciences on the theme of ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’ at Al-Razi Hall on World Environment Day. On this occasion, PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, Pro-VC Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Additional DG Environment Protection and Climate Change Department Punjab Dr Zafar Iqbal, Dean Faculty of Geo-Sciences Prof Dr Sajid Rashid Ahmed, Principal CEES Prof Dr Irfan Ahmed Sheikh, Organizer Prof Dr Abdul Qadir, representatives from NGOs, faculty members and a large number of students were present.

In her address, Kanwal Pervaiz said that PU CEES is more active than the Punjab government to avoid the effects of climate change. She said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had said in her first speech that eliminating environmental pollution is among her priorities and practical steps are being seen today. She said that mankind has the biggest hand in destroying the environment. She said that the smoke emitted from 80% of vehicles and motorcycles is a major cause of pollution. She said that in the past, Lahore was called the city of gardens, which is now called the city of pollution. She said that an individual must play a role in giving up the use of plastic. She said that plastic is causing a lot of damage to sewage, drinking water, water and air, for which awareness is very important to prevent it. Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that human beings are more threatened by environmental pollution than science, technology and artificial intelligence. He said that if we are able to make the students understand that the land their elders left for them is still the same? He said that the process of making water would have been very difficult, but if we examine our lifestyle, we can see how much water we are wasting on daily basis. He said that we also waste food and drink items in weddings, restaurants, etc., which is regrettable. He said that plastic is also made by humans, which is a major cause of pollution. He said that it can be saved from wastage by watering crops in modern ways. He said that students should work as ambassadors of change to encourage simple living and balanced diet for the betterment of the environment. Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood said that global warming is increasing water scarcity, pollution and smog. He said that everyone should participate in the awareness campaign to protect the public from the effects of climate change. He said that implementation of government guidelines is also necessary for improving the environment. He said that the EPD is doing a good job in checking vehicles emitting smoke. Prof Dr Sajid Rashid Ahmed said that two years ago, on the suggestion of the PU CEES, checking of other vehicles like commercial vehicles was started, which is a matter of honor for us. He said that a campaign was also launched by the college five years ago to give up the use of plastic. He said that subjects on climate change have been made part of the curriculum, which is also being taught in other departments. Prof Dr Abdul Qadir said that animals, birds, water creatures, trees, land and plants are also being affected by the garbage spread by humans. He said that if practical steps are not taken regarding climate change and pollution, living beings will become extinct.