Islamabad will be developed as a ‘clean green model city’ under the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Strict action will be taken against misuse of green belts while encroachments will be removed in order to ensure green spirit of Islamabad’s master plan. This was said by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Malik Amin Aslam while chairing a meeting regarding converting Islamabad into a clean and green model city. This meeting was held in line with a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on 17th August 2019 regarding Clean Green Pakistan Index. In the said meeting, Prime Minister of Pakistan had shown his displeasure over deteriorated environmental conditions and directed the constitution of a committee to develop a comprehensive plan for converting Federal Capital into a ‘Model Clean and Green City’. This committee would be chaired by the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Malik Amin Aslam while Secretary MoCC, Chairman CDA, Chief Commissioner ICT, DG EPA, representatives of MCI and others would be members of the committee. Committee will focus on protection of existing green areas with a complete ban on any structural development in these areas through regulatory measures. The Committee will also consider reclaiming previous green areas and developing additional green areas in the city and will submit its plan to the Prime Minister in 45 days. Adviser to the Prime Minister, while chairing the meeting of the committee, directed the relevant departments to provide data on number of green belts, encroachments and city’s master plan. Issue of throwing garbage on green belt, illegal and authorized car parkings on such places and violation by cooperative housing societies also came under discussion. Adviser to the Prime Minister also informed the participants that Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project had a special clean and green component for capital city. He also advised representatives of CDA, ICT and MCI to present their plans so that both could be incorporated. Second meeting of the committee will be held in a week’s time in which all the relevant departments will come up with required information and data. In the light of the relevant information, the committee will then present the comprehensive plan to the Prime Minister in stipulated time. In another meeting held at Ministry of Climate Change, Turkish delegation offered to support Pakistan in Ten Billion Tree Tsunami project with their own experience of afforestation. Delegation of Turkish General Directorate of Forestation, which is on three day visit to Pakistan, called on adviser to the Prime Minister and shared its success story of planting 7 Billion Trees in a period of 21 years. Turkish delegation showed special interest in sharing their experience in developing urban forests, non-wood commercial forestry and recreational activities in forests. Federal Minister appreciated the offer and hoped to work. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
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