— Says IK’s allegations of HR abuses are misleading, aimed at manipulating opinion-makers
— Pakistan fully respects & is committed to all international obligations on human rights, says PM
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday slated Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supremo and accused him of misleading foreign media outlets and audiences over May 9 riots.
The tweet comes amid rising international pressure over the federal government as the more and more incumbent and former lawmakers and office-bearers are taking note of the developments taking place in Pakistan.
In a bid to clear air, the premier took to social media blogging site, Twitter, and wrote that the deposed premier expedient description of the post-May 9 events as “human rights abuses” and “stifling of the right to political protest” is not only misleading but aimed at manipulating and swaying opinion-makers outside the country.
Taking a jibe at the PTI chairman, the premier went on and stated in his interviews with international media outlets, Imran Niazi is openly and deliberately disinforming local & foreign audiences by glib talk laced with fake news & plain misrepresentation.
“Let me put the context right: what his party did on May 9 was a brazen attack on the State of Pakistan, with malafide intent and sinister objectives. No country in the world would tolerate such an attempt at destroying its integrity,” added PM Shehbaz.
Denying human rights violations, PM clarified that miscreants involved in attacks on army installations are being dealt with under the law.
“Pakistan fully respects & is committed to all its constitutional and international obligations on human rights,” said the premier.
PM emphasizes need to combat plastic pollution
The Prime Minister also expressed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to combat plastic pollution and embark on a journey of plastics reduction.
In his message on the occasion of World Environment Day being observed on Monday, he emphasized the need to combat plastic pollution. He said as one of the top ten countries in the world for plastic pollution, Pakistan recognizes the urgent need for action.
Shehbaz Sharif said the government has prioritized the adoption of environment friendly alternatives and is actively working on the Plastics Prohibition Regulation 2023 for the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
This regulation will establish a comprehensive framework and timeline for phasing out single-use plastics, while also leading by example on a plan to reduce and then ban the use of single use plastics by the entire federal government.
In a demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to reduce plastic waste in Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Prime Minister House to stop using single-use plastics, which like the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, will lead the way in phasing out and restricting the use of Polyethylene terephthalate or PET bottles in Federal Ministries, and Divisions across the board.
The Prime Minister called upon all stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, civil society organizations, and the media, to renew their commitment in fight against plastic pollution and preserving the planet’s biodiversity for future generations.
Consequences of plastic pollution are intense and long term; Sherry Rehman
Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman, in her message said that the consequences of plastic pollution are intense and long term, as it irreversibly damages our environment and threatens the very fabric of life on earth.
She urged a call for action as plastic production is set to triple by 2060 if no serious measures are taken to stop it. The Minister shared the 7R’s Action Agenda which marks the country’s commitment to combat plastic pollution and initiate its journey towards reducing plastic waste.
These 7 R’s are reduce, redesign, reuse, recycle, responsibility, research, and resource. Sherry Rehman highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to promoting a sustainable circular economy for plastics by reducing waste, consumption, and encouraging reuse, recycling, and material recovery.
The Minister stressed the need for an incentive-driven approach to encourage consumers to change their plastic consumption habits.
