Pakistan, July 22 -- Pakistan is rapidly urbanising, and from a financial perspective, it is excellent that we are commencing economic progress. However, we must ensure that we do not commence economic growth at the expense of our environment. Our cities are growing exponentially; however, this rapid expansion is eclipsed by an increase in environmental problems.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) points out that Pakistan has the highest rate of urbanisation in South Asia. In fact, the UN Population Division predicts that almost half of Pakistan's population is expected to live in cities by 2025. The already discussed figure must serve as a wake-up call for us to strengthen biodiversity in our urban areas and to make them mo...