Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have called upon all stakeholders to work together to protect and restore Pakistan's rangelands and natural ecosystems.

According to Radio Pakistan, in their separate messages on the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the leaders emphasized the critical role that Pakistan's vast rangelands play in supporting livestock-based livelihoods and the broader rural economy.

In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted that as one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Pakistan acknowledges the necessity of sustainable management and restoration of degraded lands for ensuring environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and social well-being.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, mentioned the "Zarkhaiz Scheme," which provides interest-free easy loans to farmers. This initiative aims to help farmers enhance the productivity of their agricultural land, contributing to the overall effort to combat desertification and drought.