ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the protection and sustainable management of wetlands, while strongly rejecting any attempt to weaponise water, terming it a serious violation of international law, APP reported.
On his message on world Wetlands Day, annually observed on February 2, the prime minister said that while adhering to international laws, Pakistan believed in the full and equitable implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty 1960.
According to the APP, he highlighted that this day provided Pakistan and the international community an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the sustainable conservation and management of wetlands.
This year’s theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”, He said, was a reminder for the cultural context and significance of the wetlands.
The PM 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 protecting against drought, floods and climate change impacts, he stated 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.
“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 stressed.
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.
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