The program will also lead to policy level interventions and on-ground activities to promote sustainable transport. — Photo by AP

KARACHI: A five year project of Pakistan Sustainable Transport Program (PAKSTRAN) is in process to be simultaneously implemented in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad/Rawalpindi with the motive to reduce the demand for energy consumption.

A senior IUCN official told APP on Friday that the project is aimed at reducing the related greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector in Pakistan, while simultaneously improving the urban environmental conditions and supplementing country's trade competitiveness.

The project is being initiated by IUCN Pakistan in collaboration with UNDP/Environment Facility (UNDP/GEF) and other concerned departments including National Energy Conservation Centre (ENERCON),  Ministry of Water and Power, Sindh Transport Department, Punjab Urban Unit and Planning and Development Division, he said.

The PAKSTRAN project to be completed in 2016 and is being funded by GEF is urgently needed in the country as transport sector has grave environmental and economic impacts and impedes the overall development process of the country.

The program will also lead to policy level interventions and on-ground activities to promote sustainable transport by demonstrating replicable models in the urban centres of the country.

Under PAKSTRAN a two-pronged approach has been outlined to address issues related to transport by introducing policy interventions, institutional strengthening and capacity building.

Successful completion of the scheme, with all stakeholders on board is expected to make the transportation system efficient and green, which is in sync with the New Growth Framework Strategy of the Government of Pakistan.