ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): As the international community observes World Wetlands Day today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan strongly rejected any attempt to weaponise the water, calling it a serious violation of international laws.
The prime minister, in his message on the Day, said that while adhering to international laws, Pakistan believed in the full and equitable implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty 1960.
He said that the World Wetlands Day provided Pakistan and the international community an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the sustainable conservation and management of wetlands.
He said that this year’s theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage” was a reminder for the cultural context and significance of the wetlands.
The prime minister said that Pakistan was a signatory to the Wetland Convention of 1971 which highlighted the wise use and conservation of wetlands for humanity.
Highlighting the key role of wetlands in confronting severe environmental and economic challenges and protecting against drought, floods, and extreme climate change impacts, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the wetlands including lakes, glaciers, inland water bodies, coastal areas, and mangroves contributed to the conservation of biodiversity, protection against climate change, and effective water management.
He reiterated that the wetlands were an essential part of livelihood for millions of Pakistanis and that the depletion of wetlands led to reduced employment opportunities for people, increased food prices at the national level, also impacting in the form of floods and droughts.
“The conservation of wetlands is not merely an environmental duty to combat climate change, it is a guarantee of social welfare at both individual and collective levels. Let us, on this day, renew our pledge that—individually and collectively—we will regard wetlands as our precious national, environmental, social, and cultural asset and make every effort for their protection,” he remarked.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also reiterated that at the global level, the Government of Pakistan would continue to raise its voice for the promotion of fair, legal, and peaceful use of wetlands among countries.