On January 8, 2025, Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change, inaugurated the Rashid Minhas Green Road in Rawalpindi. This initiative is a part of Pakistan’s efforts towards environmental sustainability and marks the country’s first green road project.
The inauguration ceremony was organized by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and attended by notable figures including Fatou Harerimana, the High Commissioner of Rwanda, and Khazar Farhadov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador. The event emphasized the importance of sustainable development and collective action to address climate challenges facing Pakistan.
Usman Shaukat, President of RCCI, addressed the severe impacts of climate change on Pakistan, noting that over 2 million acres of crops have been damaged due to natural disasters, affecting 22% of the population reliant on agriculture. He stressed the need for green energy initiatives to combat these challenges.
During her speech, Alam praised RCCI for its initiative and underscored that practical actions are essential in tackling climate issues. She called for a collective responsibility among individuals and sectors to improve environmental conditions for future generations. Her statement emphasized that “we must work together to leave behind a better environment for our children instead of wealth”.