Islamabad: In a reaffirmation of commitment to environmental sustainability, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to protect the ozone layer, coinciding with the observance of World Ozone Day.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating ozone depletion. He outlined Pakistan’s active participation in the United Nations Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol, agreements aimed at the restoration of the ozone layer. Pakistan, having ratified the Montreal Protocol in 1992, has significantly progressed in eliminating ozone-depleting substances.

The National Ozone Unit (NOU), established in 1996, has been instrumental in these efforts, collaborating with customs officials and the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. The prime minister noted that Pakistan had successfully phased out the first generation of ozone-depleting substances by 2009 and achieved a 50% reduction in Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2020. He added that the country is on track to meet its 67.5% reduction target by 2025, with many industries having already transitioned to ozone-friendly technologies. Additionally, PM Sharif expressed Pakistan’s readiness to begin phasing down hydro-fluorocarbons under the Kigali Amendment, underscoring a broader commitment to climate action and environmental sustainability.

The prime minister called for sustained global cooperation under this year’s theme, “Montreal Protocol – Advancing Climate Actions,” to secure a safer and more sustainable future for the planet.