Addressing the participants of the ceremony, he said biodiversity is very important for economic and social development and survival of human beings. There are many benefits attached to biodiversity at national level along international advantages. The protection of biodiversity must be the first priority in the country like Pakistan where social and economic development can play an important role in elimination of poverty.
Zoological Survey of Pakistan, a department under Ministry of Climate Change, is looking after the project of proposed zoo-cum-botanical garden. The minister said, "According to Global Biodiversity Outlook Report, reduction in biodiversity is leading our nature towards destruction. In order to deal with climatic changes and keep balance in our natural environment, we need collective efforts." He further highlighted that Zoological Survey of Pakistan is playing an active role despite its limited resources. The establishment of Botanical Garden in Islamabad is one also one of such initiatives.
The increased construction activities in Islamabad are damaging its environment. The establishment of a botanical garden comprising 725 acres of land will be a milestone in protecting the national environment, he said. The minister also informed the participants that it would be one of its own kinds of botanical garden about 15 kilometers in length. The plan of protecting this garden through boundary wall is initiated by government with the cost of Rs 100 million and will be completed in two years.
"Next year with the cost of Rs 2 billion, PC-1 for different projects of environmental protection will be prepared," he said. He also said when human beings were sent into this world, they was welcomed with natural resources including lakes, mountains, rivers animals and plants as well. The developed nations in their process of industrial revolution did not realize that they are causing global warming. He also told the audience that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) talked about climate change 1,400 years ago.
He further added this botanical garden would be very rare in the region. It will include different species of animals and plants. The zoos, amusement parks, lakes and wetlands will be constructed in the botanical garden. He also informed that he has written a letter to the Foreign Office to take up matter of smog with India.