Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Sardar Rameesh Singh Arrora, has emphasized the need for collaboration between media and state institutions to address environmental issues and tackle climate change. He shared these remarks while addressing a seminar on ‘Sustainable Social Practices: Combating Climate Change’ at Al Raazi Hall, Punjab University (PU).
The event was organized by the Punjab University’s Department of Social Work and the Sughra Begum Centre for Education Policy and Development, in partnership with AGAHE Pakistan. The seminar attracted prominent attendees, including PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, Dean of Behavioral & Social Sciences Prof Dr Irum Khalid, Chairperson of the Department of Social Work Prof Dr Uzma Ashiq, and CEO of AGAHE, Mubarak Ali Sarwar. Representatives from WWF, analysts like Salman Abid, and a large audience of students and faculty also participated.
During his address, Sardar Rameesh Singh praised the organizers for holding a productive discussion on sustainable practices and stressed the critical role of media in raising awareness about environmental issues. He urged institutions to actively engage in efforts toward environmental preservation to secure a better future for the coming generations.
PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali highlighted several pressing challenges faced by Pakistan. He noted that while the country is the world’s fifth-largest milk producer, pure milk remains inaccessible to the public. He also emphasized the importance of addressing food waste, pointing out that 40% of fruits are wasted annually in Pakistan. Moreover, he criticized inefficient agricultural practices, such as flood irrigation, advocating instead for more sustainable methods like drip irrigation.
Dr Muhammad Ali stressed the need for making nutritious food both available and affordable, as well as for adopting better water management to curb the reckless waste of drinking water. He concluded by reminding participants that environmental stewardship aligns with religious principles, underscoring the importance of cleanliness and sustainability.
Prof Dr Uzma Ashiq shared how students in social work programs are actively contributing to environmentally friendly policy development through their fieldwork placements. She called for greater cooperation between the Social Work Department and government ministries to drive meaningful social change.
Mubarak Ali Sarwar, CEO of AGAHE, highlighted his organization’s initiatives in promoting sustainable practices aimed at mitigating the impact of climate change. Dr Sonia Omer, in her concluding remarks, thanked the stakeholders for their involvement and stressed the importance of collaboration between academia and the development sector to foster long-term environmental solutions.
The seminar concluded with a collective commitment to intensify efforts toward sustainable social practices and environmental protection, urging both state and non-state actors to work together for a healthier and greener Pakistan.