ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to protect the ozone layer on the occasion of World Ozone Day. In his message, the Prime Minister emphasized the crucial role of global cooperation in combating the depletion of the ozone layer and highlighted Pakistan’s significant contribution to international efforts. The Prime Minister acknowledged the damage caused by human activity and expressed concern about the depletion of the ozone layer, resulting in the creation of the ozone hole, which poses a serious risk to life on Earth. However, he appreciated the positive impact of global initiatives such as the United Nations Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol, which facilitated the restoration of the ozone layer. “Pakistan is an active participant in these UN agreements,” noted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, pointing out that the country ratified the Montreal Protocol in 1992 and has since made significant progress in phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The establishment of the National Ozone Unit (NOU) in 1996 played a key role in leading these efforts, working with customs, the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry and other key stakeholders. He highlighted that Pakistan had successfully phased out first-generation ODS by 2009 and achieved a 50% reduction in HCFCs by 2020. “The country is on track to meet its 67.5% reduction target by 2025, with many industries already transitioning to ozone-friendly technologies.” The prime minister also emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Kigali Amendment. In addition, he also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to climate action and environmental sustainability. He called for continued global cooperation in line with this year’s theme “Montreal Protocol – Climate Progress” to ensure a safer and more sustainable planet for future generations.
