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ISLAMABAD, Oct 22 (APP):Pakistan and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have agreed to enhance cooperation to curb environmental crimes, including illegal logging, electronic waste trade, and money laundering linked to natural resource exploitation.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Senator Dr Musadik Malik, and UNODC Country Representative Troels Vester in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Discussions centered on the growing nexus between organised crime, illegal trade, and environmental degradation, which officials warned is threatening both ecological sustainability and national governance.
Dr Musadik Malik stressed the urgent need to strengthen Pakistan’s legal and policy frameworks to ensure stricter regulation and more effective enforcement.
“Environmental crimes not only destroy ecosystems but also erode public trust in governance and hinder sustainable development. Pakistan is committed to tackling these threats through strong laws and robust institutional action,” he said.
Troels Vester, acknowledging Pakistan’s commitment to addressing environmental crimes, reaffirmed UNODC’s full support in strengthening national capacities.
Drawing on his experience in Indonesia and Myanmar, he emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination and international cooperation to tackle cross-border environmental offences.
Both sides agreed to develop a joint project aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s environmental laws, enhancing investigative and enforcement mechanisms, and improving collaboration among relevant agencies.