Pakistan unveiled its first green road initiative at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on January 8, 2025, marking a bold step towards sustainable urban development.
The initiative, part of the RCCI’s Revive Pakistan Initiative, seeks to integrate eco-friendly technologies and practices into road infrastructure to reduce environmental impact and enhance urban living standards. The project represents a significant leap in Pakistan’s climate action efforts, addressing pressing environmental challenges while promoting sustainable urban solutions.
The event was graced by the presence of Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov, High Commissioner of Rwanda Fatou Harerimana and Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) Dr. Bushra Mirza.
The guests were warmly welcomed by the RCCI leadership, including President Usman Shaukat, Group Leader Sohail Altaf, Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, Former Presidents, Chairman Climate Change Committee, Tallat Awan, Executive Committee Members and other officials.
Romina highlights Govt’s commitment to Climate Action
Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change, inaugurated the initiative and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling climate change under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, which are integral to Pakistan’s broader climate strategy. “These initiatives are key to reducing our carbon footprint and advancing sustainable development,” she said.
In her speech, Alam emphasized the need for both short-term and long-term strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change, including renewable energy projects and climate-resilient infrastructure.
“The green road marks a major step forward in creating cities that are not only economically prosperous but also environmentally responsible,” Alam stated. “It reflects Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable development.”
Private sector’s role in building a Green Economy
Romina Alam recognized the role of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in launching the project, praising the business community’s vital contribution to fostering a green economy.
Underscoring the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in achieving a greener future, she said: “The private sector’s participation in sustainability efforts is essential to driving the economic transformation we need,” and encouraged businesses to invest in clean technologies and adopt eco-friendly practices.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat also spoke at the event, emphasizing the urgency of sustainable development and green energy initiatives. Shaukat provided an overview of the devastating effects of climate change in Pakistan, which remains one of the most vulnerable countries in the world due to its exposure to natural disasters, floods, and agricultural crises.
“Over 2 million acres of crops have been damaged, affecting 22% of our population dependent on agriculture,” Shaukat said, pointing to the urgent need for action to mitigate these climate-induced challenges.
International support for Climate Action
At the event, Fatou Harerimana, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to Pakistan, emphasized the need for a joint plan of action between Rwanda and Pakistan to combat climate change and environmental challenges.
e said Pakistan and Rwanda have a common commitment to mitigate the climate change and environmental issues, and the government of Rwanda has started a short, medium and long-term strategy to deal with these challenges.
Both countries share a commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change, Harerimana said. Rwanda has implemented short, medium, and long-term strategies to tackle environmental challenges, including a historic ban on plastic pollution, making Rwanda the cleanest country in the African region, she added.
Road to a Sustainable future
As Rawalpindi leads the way with this innovative project, the green road initiative aims to set a national example for integrating green solutions into urban planning. It offers an energy-efficient, eco-friendly model for road construction that can be replicated across Pakistan, furthering the country’s climate goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable urban development.
The green road project is expected to contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment.