Speaker Punjab Assembly Ch Parvez Elahi Saturday said Pakistan has got the opportunity to host the International Environment Day due to the personal interest of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

He said the prime minister started work under the name of Billion Tree Tsunami and the present government is moving forward with his pledge.

He said the vision of Imran Khan will help in improving the environment in the country

He said the Provincial Environment Department has started work under the leadership of their party’s Minister Mohammad Rizwan with Rs5 billion.

Speaking at a function in connection with the international day hosted by Provincial Environment Minister Mohammad Rizwan, Ch Parvez said that as Punjab Chief Minister has had started the journey of progress in 2003 and during his five years GDP growth was 8% and Pakistan’s growth rate was 7.3% which has never happened in the history.

He said that peoples welfare projects were made victims of delay by Shehbaz Sharif and delaying tactics were used in many such initiatives including Rescue 1122, Punjab Assembly’s new building, Wazirabad Cardiology Hospital, Special Education and patrolling posts which were for the welfare of common poor man.

He said the IT Department was established for the first time in Punjab, during their tenure and 97% development budget was utilised for the first time and World Bank also not only praised their programs but also provided funds for their continuation.

He said Shehbaz Government had utilized 45% of the development budget and the present government has also done the same due to which starting of new projects are facing difficulties.

He said that there is a need for starting work for improving the environment at district and tehsil levels because 67.5% of the population lives in rural areas and providing clean air to the society is the responsibility of the government and the present government is working on it.

Director General Environment Mehtab Waseem and Senior Member WWF Suhail Ali Naqi also spoke highlighting the importance of the environment.