Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) Acting President Naveed Akram Sheikh has said that environmental protection is not merely a local concern but a global challenge that requires organized, coordinated and collective efforts at all levels to ensure a sustainable future.
Collective global efforts imperative to tackle environmental challenges: FCCI Acting President
FAISALABAD, Jun 05 (APP): Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) Acting President Naveed Akram Sheikh has said that environmental protection is not merely a local concern but a global challenge that requires organized, coordinated and collective efforts at all levels to ensure a sustainable future.
Addressing a ceremony organized in connection with World Environment Day at the chamber, he stressed the need for governments, industries, academia and civil society to work together to combat environmental degradation and climate-related threats.
He said that when the Environmental Protection Agency Punjab was initially established, many industrialists viewed environmental regulations as being contrary to their business interests. However, he added that sustained efforts over the years had led to visible improvements in Faisalabad’s environmental conditions.
He said that industries previously used hazardous and prohibited fuels including discarded tyres, shoes and rubber products, which significantly contributed to pollution. “Such practices have now largely been eliminated, reflecting growing awareness and compliance within the industrial sector”, he added.
Highlighting future challenges, he said that Pakistan is striving to increase exports and reduce imports by 2030. If industries fail to adopt environmentally friendly production methods, international markets may become increasingly reluctant to import Pakistani products due to environmental compliance requirements, he warned.
He emphasized that continuous efforts are needed to make industries greener and more sustainable in line with evolving global trade standards and environmental regulations.
Speaking on the occasion, Convener FCCI Standing Committee Waheed Khaliq Ramay said that the chamber observes World Environment Day every year with a strong sense of responsibility to spread awareness about environmental conservation among all segments of society.
He said that initiatives including tree plantation campaigns and wastewater treatment projects are being pursued to improve environmental conditions, adding that the chamber is also collaborating with academic institutions to advance environmental research and awareness.
He said that the chamber follows a consultative and constructive approach to environmental issues in order to avoid unnecessary friction between industries and regulatory institutions.
He added that the chamber actively participates in nearly 90 percent of EPA-led campaigns, contributing to gradual environmental improvement.
He also appreciated the efforts of Dr Nusrat Zahra and Dr Farhana Nosheen for their contributions towards environmental awareness and research.
In her remarks, Dr Nusrat Zahra stressed the need to transform Faisalabad into an environmentally friendly city through sustained policy measures and public participation.
Dr Farhana Nosheen highlighted the growing impact of climate change, noting that temperatures in Faisalabad has exceeded 45 degrees Celsius this year. She said that extreme heat disproportionately affects children, low-income workers, vulnerable communities and patients. She briefed participants about an ongoing research project aimed at protecting vulnerable groups from the adverse effects of extreme heat.
A representative of the Parks and Horticulture Agency Faisalabad informed the participants that the city has 355 public parks and encouraged citizens and organizations to adopt parks under initiatives such as “Plant for Pakistan”, “One Human, Two Trees” and “Adopt a Park”.
A representative of WWF-Pakistan said the organization has launched a project through its own funding to harvest, store and reuse rainwater as part of efforts to promote sustainable water management.
During the discussion, the participants also proposed restricting the entry of smoke-emitting vehicles into the city to improve air quality and reduce environmental pollution.
Vice President FCCI Engineer Asim Munir thanked the distinguished guests and representatives of EPA and other relevant departments for participating in the event.
Later, Waheed Khaliq Ramay presented a special plant to Acting FCCI President Naveed Akram Sheikh in connection with World Environment Day.
The participants also took part in a tree plantation activity on the lawn opposite the chamber complex, reaffirming their commitment to environmental protection and a greener future.
