ISLAMABAD, Aug 30: Environment Minister Barrister Shahida Jamil has met heads of various international organizations in Johannesburg and sought their cooperation on environmental issues in the country.

She is leading the Pakistani delegation to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) at present.

A press statement issued here on Friday by the Leadership for Environment and Development (LEAD) Pakistan says that during the talks, the Pakistani team explored options for future collaboration based on the future outcome of the WSSD with organizations such as the World Bank and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The team met with Alvaro Umana, head of Capacity 21, UNDP, who is involved in launching Capacity 2015; John Ashton, head of Environmental Division, British Foreign Office; Timothy E. Wirth, head of UN Foundation; Kristalina Georgieva, director, Environment Department, World Bank and Hans van Ginkel, head of UN University.

The Pakistani delegation comprises Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, National Programme director, LEAD Pakistan; Basit Khan, manager, Environment and Community Development, Premier KUFPEC Pakistan; Azharuddin, general manager, National Environmental Consulting and other stakeholders.

Environmental issues have now acquired greater importance in Pakistan and the environmental agenda has become a concern during formulation of policy options.—APP