Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik on Wednesday stressed the importance of integrating education, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility as key pillars of national development. Speaking at a tree plantation drive organised by the DICE Forum, along with the launch of the KITAB community library project at the Sundas Foundation, the minister said such initiatives play a vital role in shaping informed and responsible citizens and enjoy full government support. Quoting Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Minister reaffirmed that education is fundamental to national progress. Referring to climate change, he noted that Pakistan remains among the countries most vulnerable to its impacts and stressed the need for sustained and practical action to address environmental challenges. Chairperson of the DICE Forum Aliya Agha, in her opening remarks, underscored Pakistan’s climate vulnerability, noting that forest cover remains below five per cent and continues to face pressure from population growth and resource use. She said the plantation drive symbolised a commitment to environmental resilience, while the KITAB project aimed to promote reading culture and expand access to learning resources for underprivileged children. Ambassador of Bulgaria to Pakistan, Irena Gancheva, highlighted the interconnected importance of knowledge, compassion and environmental protection. She appreciated the KITAB initiative, stressing the continued relevance of reading and education in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. She also emphasised compassion in relation to the thalassemia centre and referred briefly to global responsibility in addressing climate change. Ambassador of Bulgaria Irena Gancheva, High Commissioner of South Africa, Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, Counsel General Ghana, Omer Shahid Butt, Honrary Counsel General of Kyrgyzstan, Kashif Mehar and Air Vice Marshal Aftab Hussain (R), Director Sundas Foundation thalassemia centre attended the event. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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