KARACHI: President Arif Alvi on Saturday sought active role of people of social influence, media professionals, members of civil society and social media activists together to help turn conservation of nature and healthy human resource into a national spirit.

Addressing the launching ceremony of Green Initiative by a group of concerned citizens engaged in protection of environment and public health under the banner of ‘National Building Initiative’, he said the challenge ahead demanded unity in the ranks and close coordination among the people concerned for effective and quick results.

“I strongly believe that pesh imams [prayer leaders] of mosques along with print and electronic media professionals, social workers and most importantly social media people have a major role to play in this regard,” he said. “Similarly, we cannot ignore the role of government and administration in introducing efficient policies and strict implementation of the same but that can also be accomplished through proper understanding and realisation on the part of the masses.”

Mr Alvi said over the past 50 years, “our countrymen had little realisation about the massive damage caused due to absolute disregard for environment, protection of trees and proper disposal of all categories of waste, consequently exposing them to serious challenges”.

The very issue along with that of maternal and child health, he said, was closely linked to the national fate as 40 per cent of children reported to be stunted and thus suffering from intellectual incapacities.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2019