Strong political will must for environmental sustainability: Afridi
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—The Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said that a strong political will is warranted for clean and better environment.
The Minister was expressing his views during a presentation on the Ministry of Environment here on Tuesday. The presentation was conducted by Secretary Ministry of Environment, Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi. The presentation was also attended by senior officers of the Ministry. The Minister on the occasion said that the present government is fully committed to make all out efforts for ensuring sustainable environment.
The Minister said that monitoring system would be strengthened to ensure transparency in utilization of funds and timely execution of the development projects. The Minister has emphasized that the coordination with provinces would be enhanced to protect and preserve the Environment for sustainable development in the country.
The Minister was apprised that the Ministry is currently implementing Development Projects worth Rs.1618.794/- millions, in addition to six megaforestry sector development projects at the cost of the Rs. 12 million which have been initiated in all the four provinces, AJK, and Northern Areas.
The Minister was informed that 502.5 million trees have been planted during last five years whereas 86.6 million saplings would be planted this year as part of the on-going spring tree planting campaign.
The Minister was further informed that the Ministry has launched Islamabad Green City Programme and is also observing the current year (2008) as the International Sanitation as declared by the United Nations.
Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi was apprised that the Ministry has already framed National Policies on Environment, Sanitation and Energy while a draft National Drinking Water Policy has been sent to provinces for comments.