PESHAWAR, June 5: NWFP Minister for Environment and Finance Shah Raz Khan has urged the people to bring positive changes in their behaviour so that they may give the future generations a pollution-free environment.

In his message for the World Environment Day, he said western countries claimed to be leading other countries in conservation of the environment but they were unaware that environmental protection was one of the basic teachings of Islam.

He added that Islam was a complete code of conduct which provided ultimate guidance on all aspects of life. He called upon religious scholars and teachers to create awareness among the masses about the importance of conservation of the environment in the light of Islamic teachings through their lectures and sermons.

The minister claimed that the MMA government was taking steps to strengthen environmental departments and to ensure implementation of environmental laws with the cooperation of the public.

He said the government was making efforts for addressing environmental problems and reducing atmospheric pollution. The government had organised environmental clubs in government schools and was encouraging students to participate in awareness building regarding environmental issues.

The minister urged the public to cooperate wholeheartedly with the government for conservation of the environment.—APP