Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, marking World Ozone Day, has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the global effort to preserve the ozone layer, underlining the critical role of international collaboration in combating ozone depletion.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister emphasized the ongoing risks posed by ozone depletion, which has led to the formation of the ozone hole, threatening life on Earth. He praised the effectiveness of the United Nations Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol, which have significantly aided the recovery of the ozone layer since their inception.

Sharif detailed Pakistan’s active participation in these international agreements, noting that Pakistan ratified the Montreal Protocol in 1992 and has since made significant strides in phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The establishment of the National Ozone Unit (NOU) in 1996 has been instrumental in these efforts, working closely with various stakeholders, including customs officials and the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, to ensure compliance with the protocol.

The Prime Minister highlighted notable achievements, such as the complete phase-out of the first generation of ODS by 2009 and a 50% reduction in HCFCs by 2020. He expressed confidence that Pakistan is on track to achieve a 67.5% reduction by 2025, with many industries having already adopted ozone-friendly technologies.

Sharif also discussed Pakistan’s readiness to begin the phase-down of hydro-fluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Kigali Amendment, reaffirming his government’s dedication to climate action and environmental sustainability. He called for sustained international cooperation to advance climate actions, echoing this year’s theme for the Montreal Protocol.