Mr. President,

We thank both the Special Rapporteurs for their reports.

Right to food is a basic human right and is linked with the enjoyment of a range of other rights. In Pakistan concerted efforts are being made to ensure food security through a number of policy initiatives, including, among others, establishment of Ministry of National Food Security &        Research, introduction of social-safety-nets and poverty reduction programs, provision of agricultural subsidies and setting up of Pakistan Agriculture and Research Council to achieve sustainable production in agriculture for food security. The federal government has also established National Food Security Commission (NFSC) a step forward to develop a national policy for the long-term sustainability of food security and agriculture development, which is being chaired by the Prime Minister. The NFSC would bridge the gap between the key stakeholders of the food security and agriculture development, which is key to having a long-term effective planning to overcome the challenges to the national food security.

Recently, we have extended invitation to Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food and look forward to a constructive dialogue during the visit.

Mr. President,

We concur with Special Rapporteur on Environment that Biodiversity is necessary for ecosystem services that support the full enjoyment of a wide range of human rights, including the rights to life, health, food and water. Pakistan is committed to protect ecosystems and biodiversity.

The Government has launched ‘Green Pakistan Programme’ whereby over 100 million trees will be planted in the country over the next 5 years. National forest policy, which sets out plans for mass tree planting, curbing deforestation and promoting conservation has also been formulated which envisages increasing the forest cover from 5% to 9% in the next 15 years. It requires federal and provincial governments to carry out environmental impact assessments for all new projects. In addition, the Government has set up Alternative Energy Development Board and is vigourously pursuing alternative energy resources, including wind and solar power generation.

I thank you.