Strong will must for environmental sustainability: Afrid
By Adnan Rafique

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 the otherday. 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 mega forestry 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.
National Forest Policy 2007, has already been submitted to Federal Cabinet for approval whereas National Range Land Policy is at Planning stage.
During the visit to these filtration plants, the Minister took samples of the water which would be tested to check quality. He said that after receiving the results of these tests, the matter would be taken with the Capital Development Authority if the water was found contaminated. He assured the resident of these areas that frequent check and verification of the record would be made to ensure availability of clean and contamination free water to the people. The Minister was accompanied by Director General Environmental Protection Agency Asif Shuja Khan and other officers of the Ministry.