Greening Gwadar: Pakistan-China Pact for an Eco-Friendly Metropolis
Advisor to Prime Minister on Climate Change, Ameen Aslam, announced an upcoming landmark partnership between Pakistan and China during his address at the Second Belt and Road Forum. The collaboration aims to transform Gwadar, a vital port city along the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), into Pakistan's inaugural emission-neutral and eco-friendly metropolis.
P.c. Daily Times
In his speech, Aslam emphasized Pakistan's commitment to forging a distinct path toward becoming a catalyst for a new "Green" economy, aligning with the ideals of "Clean Green Pakistan" and China's "Eco-Civilization." This synergy in environmental objectives not only fulfills the Prime Minister's vision for a "Clean and Green" Pakistan but also integrates the concept of eco-civilization within the CPEC.
Aslam highlighted the potential for this cooperation to serve as a groundbreaking model for environmentally conscious development within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Pakistan's pivotal role within the BRI and the significance of the CPEC in fostering enduring strategic and socioeconomic ties between the two nations were underscored.
The Advisor lauded Pakistan's remarkable achievement in afforestation, particularly the "Billion Tree Tsunami" initiative launched in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This effort exceeded global expectations by restoring over 6 million hectares of forest and expanding the forested areas by more than 4%. The initiative also generated half a million green jobs, rejuvenated biodiversity, empowered indigenous communities, and inspired youth to champion a greener future. This monumental success served as the foundation for the recently initiated "10 Billion Tree Tsunami" project across the nation.
Aslam emphasized that Pakistan's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident across various sectors. Initiatives include expanding mangrove coverage, prioritizing renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear energy, and establishing over 365 small-scale run-of-the-river hydro projects to provide off-grid, zero-carbon electricity. Additionally, Pakistan secured its first Green Climate Fund (GCF) transport project—a zero-emission bus metro system in Karachi, fueled by bio-methane from cattle waste.
An innovative initiative called "Recharge Pakistan" addresses the climate crisis by redirecting floodwaters to restore wetland ecosystems and recharge groundwater. These endeavors clearly illustrate Pakistan's resolute commitment to green policies, which closely align with China's vision of an Eco-Civilization.
Aslam credited Prime Minister Imran Khan's visionary leadership for Pakistan's transition toward a greener future. The government's flagship initiative, "Clean and Green Pakistan," aims to revolutionize economic planning and ignite a nationwide movement for behavioral change. This program focuses on five pillars: reforestation, solid waste management, liquid waste treatment, enhanced sanitation nationwide, and the provision of clean drinking water, setting an ambitious agenda for sustainable growth through the "Clean Green Pakistan Movement."