Gilgit (Sher Nadir Shahi): Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) hosted a seminar on climate change titled ‘Policy Dialogue on Climate Governance’ in Gilgit city on Saturday.
The aim of the seminar was to hold a dialogue between heads of government departments, policymakers, civil society, and the media.
Speaking at the event, Coordinator HRCP Gilgit-Baltistan chapter Israruddin Israr said it’s high time for the government to take effective measures pertaining to climate change-induced disasters and their impact at the local level. Apart from human and economic loss, human rights are also affected in the ecologically volatile region of Gilgit-Baltistan, stated Israr.
Speaking at the event, Minister Human Rights and Population G-B Col (R) Obaidullah Baigh urged all stakeholders including opposition in GBLA to make coordinated efforts for the protection of the environment in G-B. As human beings, it is our foremost responsibility to make it liveable for animals, plants, and every other living thing on it, said Ubaidullah Baigh.
Addressing the seminar, the opposition leader GBLA Amjad Hussain Advocate suggested legislation in G-B Legislative Assembly in connection with the preservation of the environment, mountains, rivers, weather, and glaciers in the region. Had much beaten Billion Trees Psunami been implemented, the region would have been less affected by climate change.
Speaking at the event prominent scholar Aziz Ali dad said the protection of the environment requires the adoption of the environment-friendly lifestyle that our forefathers used to have. In the past white glaciers and green valleys were very sacred to people. Considered a place of fairies in the past, Gilgit-Baltistan is now plagued with the cutdown of trees and destruction of the environment.
Speaking on the occasion Awami Workers party Gilgit-Baltistan Baba Jan demanded the introduction of eco-friendly public transport. He also demanded the incorporation of protection of the environment and climate change into the educational curriculum so instill environmental field values among students.
Other speakers included parliamentary secretary Kulsum Farman, prominent environmentalist Dr. Abrar, Professor Zafar Khan (KIU), director EPI Khadim Hussain, Awami Workers Gilgit-Baltistan leader Sher Nadir Shahi, Irshad Kazmi, and others.
The speakers demanded the introduction of the coaster service to national parks and major tourist points in replacement of private transport. The tourist and transport-related people should be informed with an intimation of struct legal action if they pollute these sites.
They also demanded a ban on directing sewerage and other wastes from hotels, vehicular service stations, and slaughterhouses established along river banks in Gilgit-Baltistan.
