ISLAMABAD: The mass transit system of Pakistan has been lauded for being environment friendly.
Addressing a seminar, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Country Representative Mahmood Akhtar Cheema said that the transit system will help reduce green house gas (GHG) emissions and environmental issues of the country. The seminar was organised to enhance capacity of federal and provincial government departments by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
A diverse group of officials from transport and environment departments of federal and provincial levels were informed regarding the concepts and importance of sustainable transport and related environment issues during national exposure visit.
The delegation further visited the Mass Transit Authority office and also experienced a travel on metro bus. “The activity is aimed at examining the already developed BRT projects in Punjab and explore avenues for the replication and implementation of similar mass transit transport projects in other provinces and cities,” said Cheema.
Climate change expert and Pakistan National Project Manager Dr Muhammad Saleem Janjua said the project has a multidimensional approach, which focuses on planning and awareness mainly. “We have been providing technical assistance to all provincial governments on various projects,” Dr Janjua highlighted.
Dr Janjua stressed on the importance of the sustainable transport for mitigation of climate change issue and the socio-economic progress of the country. Yar Muhammad Mirjat from Sindh Transport Department said, “Introducing sustainable transport solutions in urban areas is very important.” He was hopeful that the Sindh government will be able to make two corridors operational by 2016.
