ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences are jointly organizing a three day International Conference on “Emerging Issues of Environmental Degradation, Natural Hazards and Water Security” from 02-04 June, 2024 at the PAS Auditorium, Islamabad. This International Conference is addressing a topic of immense importance not only for Pakistan but also for the developing and developed countries in the region. Of these, the menace of environmental degradation and water security have been mainly induced by the unplanned disposal of untreated domestic, industrial and agricultural wastes as well as unplanned pumping and use of groundwater resources, and many others. There is a dire need to address these issues through collaborative thinking and planning both at the local and the regional level.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman Higher Education, Government of Pakistan. About 140 participants including invited speakers from abroad (China, Canada, Denmark, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, USA) and Pakistani Universities & Research Institutions, attended the event. Prof. Dr. Xiangke Wang, Prof. Dr. Jian Lin along with Academicians and invited Speakers, Fellows of the Chinese Academy of Sciences also attended the inaugural Ceremony. In his opening address, Prof. Dr. Aslam baig (H.I., S.I., T.I) highlighted the main objective behind organization of this International Conference. He mentioned that the main aim of the Conference is to unite national and international leading experts, academicians, and researchers, policy makers, and industrial professionals to exchange knowledge, research findings, and practical solutions regarding the pressing challenges of environmental degradation, natural hazards and water security.
Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, President Pakistan Academy of Sciences also presented his key note address. He highlighted that since its inception, the Pakistan Academy of Sciences has been playing a critically important role in serving as a National Think Tank. He thanked the Higher Education Commission for his all time support to Pakistan Academy of Sciences in fulfilling its aims and objectives for the benefit of academicians, researchers in the domain of pure and applied sciences. He mentioned that the menace of environmental degradation and water pollution Pakistan is mainly caused by the unplanned disposal of untreated domestic and industrial sewage and solid waste into water courses. He gave the examples of 99 km long Hudria Drain flowing across india (44 km) and Pakistan (55 km) which carries sewage of some 600 industrial units installed along the drain, including domestic waste. He also mentioned about pollution inventory of Layari River in Karachi and its impact on groundwater and seawater environment across Karachi coast.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad (Chairman HEC) highlighted that we, the human beings are the major cause of environmental degradation leading to air, soil and water pollution, as well as climate change and water scarcity. He congratulated Pakistan Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Sciences for joining hands in organizing this event for benefit of humans in the region. He emphasizeat if we have caused the menace of environmental degradation, we are the ones who have to provide solution for its remedy. Finally, the President and the Secretary General, Pakistan Academy of Sciences thanked the Chief Guest for inaugurating the international conference. The technical deliberation of the conference will continue till 04 June, 2024.
