On 24 December 2024, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram was invited as a panelist at the Dialogue on “Pak-China’s Vision for a Sustainable Future: Ecological Civilization, Environmental Security and Global Harmony” Jointly organized by Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in collaboration with China Media Group (CMG) at Islamabad.
The session began with opening remarks by Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), who welcomed the panelists and highlighted the importance of collaboration between Pakistan and China in addressing pressing environmental challenges.
In his speech, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram emphasized that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a transformative initiative that not only enhances infrastructure and facilitates trade between the two countries but also prioritizes environmental protection and sustainable development. He detailed how key projects under CPEC, which include the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, various wind power projects, and hydropower initiatives like Kohala and Karot, are instrumental in generating clean energy while modernizing agriculture through the Green Corridor Initiative. These initiatives are geared towards supporting economic growth and improving food security, particularly in rural communities across Pakistan.
Mr. Akram also highlighted several initiatives designed to ensure the sustainability of CPEC, including the Green CPEC Initiatives, which focus on integrating environmentally friendly practices into development projects and improving air quality. He stressed the significance of developing Gwadar as a model of ecological balance, referencing projects aimed at cultivating environment-adaptive plants and creating green spaces to enhance the city's sustainability. Furthermore, he underscored the need for collaboration among governments, academia, and civil society to effectively implement international environmental protocols, advocating for a comprehensive policy approach achieved through extensive consultations.
The other distinguished speakers, included
• MNA Sabheen Ghoury, Parliamentary Secretary for Information Technology, Islamabad
• Mr. Shakeel Ramay, Chief Executive Officer, Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development (AIERD), Islamabad
• Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Senior Research Fellow at Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Islamabad
• Mr. Asif Shuja Khan, Chairman IWATCH and Former DG, Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA)
The dialogue concluded with closing remarks by Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, who reiterated the significance of the discussions and the collaborative efforts needed to advance a sustainable future for both Pakistan and China. The event reinforced CPEC as a symbol of shared aspirations and collective action towards a greener and more harmonious future.