PESHAWAR, Jul 27 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Secretary of Environment and Forests, Shahid Zaman, kicked off the monsoon plantation campaign in the Hazara Division. This event is part of the national Plant for Pakistan initiative, focusing on large-scale reforestation to tackle climate change.
Zaman launched the campaign along Lake Road in Naran, located in Mansehra district, by planting a sapling. He stressed that Plant for Pakistan is not just about planting trees; it’s a vital national movement to strengthen our response to climate challenges.
He remarked, “Climate change is a pressing concern for Pakistan.” The nation has already faced severe climate impacts, from the devastating floods of 2010 and 2022 to ongoing droughts and glacial lake outburst floods. Zaman highlighted that widespread reforestation is a sustainable approach to mitigate these effects. “Trees improve biodiversity, stabilize soil, and help reduce floods,” he added.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made significant strides in afforestation. The Billion Tree Afforestation Project (BTAP) has increased the province’s forest cover to over 20.6%. This success earned accolades from global platforms, including the World Economic Forum.
Expanding on this effort, the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme (10BTAP) was launched in 2018, aiming to plant an additional one billion trees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone.
To spread awareness further, the KP government will celebrate Plant for Pakistan Week from August 1 to 7. During this week, officials, local leaders, and community members will engage in planting activities across the province. Tourists in popular areas like Nathiagali and Kalam will also be invited to join the movement with the slogan, “Trees bring greenery, and greenery brings happiness.”
The Forest Department plans to plant over 700,000 saplings during this campaign. They will also distribute about 250,000 saplings to local farmers and the public to encourage community involvement. Specific targets include planting 367,000 saplings in the Malakand Forest Region, 475,000 in the Northern Forest Region, and 149,000 in the Central South Forest Region. In addition, 184,000 fruit-bearing trees will be planted to foster ecological benefits and provide income opportunities for local communities.
Zaman concluded by calling on everyone—public, civil society, and businesses—to participate in this vital effort to create a greener and more resilient Pakistan.
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