ISLAMABAD, Feb 8: Australia and Pakistan will collaborate in the field of environment with special focus on renewable energy, control of vehicular emissions and water treatment.

This was decided at a meeting between Federal Minister for Environment, Maj (retired) Tahir Iqbal and Australian High Commissioner Ms Zorica McCarthy here on Tuesday, said an official statement.

During the meeting, the minister apprised the high commissioner about the details of various projects, the ministry was undertaking for the protection of environment.

The minister said at present, provision of clean drinking water and control of vehicular emissions were main concerns of the government. He said the ministry had launched various projects such as setting up of air and water quality monitoring systems, water purification plants throughout the country.

The minister told the Australian High Commissioner that Pakistan would love to benefit from latest techniques being used in Australia in catalytic combustion systems, clean and alternative energy systems, and also in the forestry sector as presently, the ministry was focusing on increasing the forest cover in the country.

The high commissioner said Australia would like to support the ministry in initiating some medium-term projects, including a project based on a latest cutting edge technology through which clean water and electricity were generated simultaneously, and organic fertilizers were produced as a by product.

She also offered to assist in introducing new fuel cleaning methods and exploring the various renewable and alternate energy sources and techniques e.g. solar energy systems.

It was decided in the meeting that bilateral discussions will be organized between the ministry officials and the Australian delegation which was due in next month to formalize these projects.