Lahore: Vice Chancellor of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, Professor Dr. Shahid Munir, highlighted a novel concept of Environmental Diplomacy during the launch of the Burki Institute of Public Policy’s 18th Annual Report at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Dr. Munir emphasized the importance of incorporating this approach into Pakistan’s foreign policy to address the adverse impacts of global environmental practices.

Dr. Munir, who participated as the Guest of Honour, introduced Environmental Diplomacy as a new frontier in global policy discussions. The initiative, he argued, should be pivotal for nations like Pakistan, which suffer significantly from environmental degradation due to the industrial activities of major countries, including India, China, and the United States.

He pointed out that these practices have led to substantial financial setbacks for Pakistan, crippling its economic progress. Dr. Munir called for the global community, particularly international bodies such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, to hold offending nations accountable for their environmental responsibilities.

Further, he urged international support in aiding Pakistan’s transition towards sustainable economic practices and environmentally friendly industrial and transportation systems. Dr. Munir stressed the urgency of adopting Environmental Diplomacy to address these pressing challenges effectively.

The Vice Chancellor also acknowledged the scholarly contributions of Shahid Javed, the author of the report titled “The State of the Economy: Climate Change – Mediating Chaos and Crisis,” and lauded the document as a crucial resource for policy development. The event also featured speeches by Mr. Shahid Najam, Mr. Shahid Javed Burki, President LCCI Mr. Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, and Dr. Ejaz Sindho, who contributed to the discourse on climate and economic policy.