There is a need to plan for food security, climate change and economic prosperity of the masses: PM
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed concerns about food security and climate change as the major challenges to national security in a constantly evolving world. Imran Khan expressed these opinions while attending the Islamabad Security Dialogue where he launched the National Security Division’s (NSD) advisory portal that will connect more than 100 think-tanks and university departments with policymakers.
The prime minister emphasized that proper attention has never been paid to these areas and they can create serious problems in the future. “We are slowly realizing that national security relates to areas which no one thinks about. National security today includes many aspects that have been ignored in previous decades, including climate change, food security, and economic prosperity,” Khan said.
Imran also said that national security can be achieved with the lesser disparity between the rich and the poor. “A secure State is where common people own it and believe that they have stakes in it,” he said, adding “goals of national security could not be achieved in an environment with a handful of affluent and a sea of the poor populace”.
Government introducing plans to counter food insecurity
The prime minister said that the government will soon release programs to counter food insecurity in the country. He mentioned that the government is already tackling climate change through its 10 billion trees Tsunami, which has been fairly successful thus far. Khan also mentioned the existing programs such as the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program and targeted subsidies for the poor.
Good planning can help
Better planning to counter climate change and food insecurity can help in a big way. The 10 billion tree tsunami can help overcome food insecurity as well if fruit-producing trees are planted. Not only will they provide employment, but they will also offer direct food for the people. The plantations can also fuel local economies that are going through tough financial times.