Web Desk: Pakistan’s commitment to environmental sustainability took center stage at the climate conference COP30 in Brazil, where Maryam Nawaz highlighted the country’s strides in waste management, industrial reform, and climate resilience.
From Waste to Worth
Addressing global delegates, Maryam Nawaz announced that Pakistan’s Waste Wise School Certification Programmes have successfully educated youth on responsible consumption and recycling. She said that, under the national Say No to Plastic campaign, authorities have confiscated more than 422 tonnes of plastic waste, reflecting the public’s growing awareness of pollution control.
Moving from waste to worth, the programme seeks to instill a culture of circular economy, encouraging people to repurpose discarded materials for productive use instead of letting them end up in landfills.
Industry: From Smog to Sustainability
Turning to industrial progress, Nawaz described how Pakistan’s manufacturing sector once seen as a source of heavy smog—has become a partner in progress. She revealed that 85 percent of industries have adopted modern emission control technologies, drastically cutting down pollutants.
This transformation, she noted, reflects the government’s policy shift toward clean energy and sustainable practices. “Industry is no longer part of the problem; it is now part of the solution,” she emphasized.
Investing in Climate Resilience
Maryam Nawaz further underscored Pakistan’s integrated approach to environmental governance. She stated that the government allocates at least one percent of every development project to climate resilience measures, describing it as a long-term investment in protecting communities from climate-induced disasters.
A Model for Developing Nations
In closing, Nawaz urged developing countries to embrace innovation and collective responsibility in tackling climate challenges. She called Pakistan’s experience a model for nations striving to balance economic growth with ecological preservation.
Her remarks received wide acknowledgment from delegates, who viewed Pakistan’s initiatives as a sign of emerging leadership in sustainable development.
