Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi highlighted the urgent need for swift and effective measures to address the escalating threat of climate change. Describing it as one of the most critical challenges of our era, he emphasized that more comprehensive and timely interventions are essential to lessen its harmful effects, despite ongoing government efforts to tackle climate-related issues.
He pointed out that climate change presents serious risks to the environment, economy, and public health, underscoring the necessity for immediate and decisive responses. Governor Kundi also stressed the vital role of public awareness, noting that well-informed communities can significantly contribute to minimizing environmental harm and adapting to evolving conditions.
Calling for a united approach, he urged all sectors of society to participate actively, asserting that collective action is crucial for effectively combating climate change and securing a sustainable future.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has mandated the completion of all ongoing drainage and sewerage projects in 15 major cities by June, with continuous work scheduled to ensure readiness before the monsoon season. This directive came during a special meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday, where she emphasized the critical importance of finalizing sewerage lines and rainwater drainage systems to prevent urban flooding during heavy rains.
She instructed officials to maintain an accelerated work pace with stringent monitoring at every level. Drainage projects are currently underway in cities including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sargodha, Okara, Gujrat, Jhang, and Sialkot, with similar efforts progressing in Jhelum, Nankana Sahib, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, and Rawalpindi.
The development plan involves laying 2,265 kilometers of sewerage lines and 189 kilometers of stormwater drainage pipelines across these 15 cities. In the initial phase, 86 disposal stations and nine underground storage tanks will be constructed to boost drainage capacity. Furthermore, 752 kilometers of roads will be reconstructed upon the completion of these projects under the scheme.
