Pak facing energy crisis; we need save energy for future generations: Qasim Suri

ISLAMABAD, Mar 30 (APP):Deputy Speaker, National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri Saturday said Pakistan was facing energy crisis and serious climate change impacts, through Earth Hour 2019 “we want to give this message to the nation that we have to save energy and conserve it for our generations to come.”

The Deputy Speaker made these remarks as chief guest at the World Earth Hour 2019 ceremony organized here by World Wildlife Fund-Pakistan (WWF) under the theme “Connect2Earh”.

He said that the Earth Hour had been marked globally to save energy for a clean environment and planet. “The world also celebrates this day to create awareness among the people to save energy. We want to give this message that Pakistan is standing besides the world on this day. We have put out the lights of the parliament and simultaneously lights have been closed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan and other public buildings in the federal capital,” Suri said.

“We will inherit a clean and green country for our future generations. Pakistan is facing serious impacts of climate change and its forest cover has also reduced. Prime Minister Imran Khan has also started Clean, Green Pakistan campaign to improve the environment and mitigate gruesome repercussions of climate change across the country.

We have this message that the government will sincerely pursue the mission to conserve energy and natural resources for a sustainable future of the nation,” the deputy speaker reiterated.

He added that we also had members of the parliament on the occasion which depicts our firm resolve and commitment towards the noble and environmental cause.

On the occasion Chairman, Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani shared his message for the nation. He said that the recently constituted Caucus on Climate Change in addition to the Standing Committee on Climate Change was testament to the Parliament’s commitment to effectively tackling the issue in the country.

“Pakistan is among the top ten countries affected by climate change and this environmental challenge is already impacting our economy severely. It is of utmost importance we bringing the planet back to its normal ecological systems by taking measures for it and shunning activities against it,” the message said.

Speaking on the occasion, Senior Director Programmes, WWF-Pakistan Rab Nawaz said, “Pakistan is among the top ten countries affected by climate change and this environmental challenge is already impacting our economy severely. On this Earth Hour, by joining WWF, millions of people around the world have shown their commitment for the planet. Switching off all unnecessary lights for one hour on Saturday, 30 March is a symbolic gesture. All of us should pledge to take action in our capacity as an individual, business and policy and decision-maker to reduce our footprint, save nature and protect the environment.”

WWF-Pakistan joined more than 170 nations around the world to celebrate Earth Hour which was the global movement united by millions of people worldwide to show their commitment to protect the planet. Landmarks across the country switched off their lights in solidarity for the planet and joined WWF-Pakistan’s call to combat climate change.

Other major landmarks across the country also participated in Earth Hour by switching off lights. These included DCO Offices; Avari and PC Hotels; Wazir Khan Mosque; Hazori Bagh; Trail Dehli Gate; Parks and Horticulture Authority PHA) Lahore; MCB House whereas in the federal capital Pakistan National Monument; Damn-e-Koh; Pak-China Friendship Centre; Shah Faisal Mosque; Convention Centre; D-Chowk; Lake View Park; 7th and 8th Avenues; Sindh assembly and Frere Hall.

Earth Hour events were also celebrated at Provincial Assembly of Sindh in Karachi, WAPDA House in Lahore, and in arious other WWF-Pakistan offices including Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Nathiagali, and Sukkur ‘here students, families and corporate members participated.