Govt to achieve millennium development goals: Wajid
By Fakhar Alam

ISLAMABAD—Caretaker Environment Minister Syed Wajid Hussain Tuesday launched the International Year of Sanitation for Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that Pakistan is the urbanized country in South Asia, with 58 million people living in the cities. The number is increasing at the rate of 3.3 per cent nearly three times faster than rural areas and will become predominantly urban by 2030.
He said realizing the need for a comprehensive response, the cabinet has approved the National Sanitation Policy. He said working towards the successful implementation of this policy, the International Year of Sanitation, offers us a special opportunity to bring sanitation in all spheres of development.
The minister reiterated the commitment of the government said that we are well on its way to achieve the millennium development goals and moving towards to our Vision 2030, for providing access to sanitation for all.
In a presentation UNICEF Chief for Pakistan Andrew Parker said that the year will be celebrated to raise awareness of the global sanitation crisis and mobilise resources and commitments to address the problem.
UN Resident Coordinator Khalif Bille lauded the government efforts to bring a change in the policy and focussing on sanitation and the malnutrition.
World Bank country team leader Farhan Sami also addressed the ceremony.