ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday kicked off the nationwide spring plantation campaign by planting a sapling.
Underlining the government’s dedication, he pledged to double the number of saplings planted in 2024, aiming to surpass the previous year’s achievement of 240 million trees.
In his address, he stressed the imperative of expanding Pakistan’s forest cover, which currently stands at a mere 5% of the total area, to mitigate climate risks.
Referring to the Global Climate Risk Index, he highlighted Pakistan’s position as the 5th most vulnerable country to climate-related hazards, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
The Prime Minister instructed relevant authorities to exert maximum effort in extending the plantation campaign to every corner of the country, with the goal of transforming Pakistan into a green and pollution-free nation. He urged all Pakistani citizens to actively participate in the initiative to safeguard the country from climate change disasters and foster a healthier environment.
During the event, the Prime Minister received a briefing on area-wise plantation targets nationwide. For the spring plantation drive of 2024, it was reported that a total of 54.38 million saplings would be planted across Pakistan. The distribution includes 14.1 million in Punjab, 11.72 million in Sindh, 5.71 million in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 3 million in Balochistan, 11.85 million in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K), and 8 million saplings in Gilgit Baltistan.
Comparatively, during the Monsoon 2023 drive, a total of 49.02 million saplings were planted, with Punjab accounting for 14.62 million, Sindh 19 million, KP 10.68 million, Balochistan 1.06 million, AJ&K 3.3 million, and GB 0.36 million.
Various species are slated for planting in the spring drive, including Timar, Kikar, Jand, Amaltas, Shisham, Sukh Chain, Simal, Farash, Phulai, Chir, Kail, Deodar, Peepal, Neem, Drekh, Beri, Imli, Jaman, Chilgoza, Willow, Ailanthus, Sirus, and Poplar.
—APP
