AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Lahore, In an ambitious move to green the province and address environmental challenges, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has initiated the “Plant for Pakistan” campaign. Under her directive, a significant meeting took place, chaired by Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, marking the launch of the largest plantation drive in the province’s history on World Forestry Day. The campaign kicked off with the planting of more than 15 lakh saplings across various locations, including highways and canal banks, as well as in forests and their adjacent areas.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, in her address, urged every citizen, student, and woman to participate in this green initiative, highlighting that planting trees is not only a prophetic Sunnah but also a step towards reviving it. The campaign aims to involve madrasahs, religious, and political parties in a collective effort to fight smog, air pollution, and ensure a healthier environment.
Maryam Aurangzeb also called on media, civil society, and organizations dedicated to environmental improvement and wildlife protection to join the “Plant for Pakistan” campaign. To facilitate this massive drive, the Forest Department and the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) have established stalls across the province, where people can obtain free saplings for planting.
The campaign has seen thousands of trees being planted in Jallo Forest Park, Lahore, with the participation of various departments, including forests, environment protection, higher education, and health. For the first time, a “Plant for Pakistan” app has been launched, featuring geo-tagging of plantations with QR codes to ensure accountability and the survival of planted trees.
During this spring season, the initiative aims to plant 18 million trees, including species like amaltas, peepal, and kikar, across 60,000 sites in Punjab. This widespread plantation effort is supported by government and non-government organizations at district, tehsil, union council, and corporate levels, demonstrating a united front against environmental degradation.
Senior Minister Punjab Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of not only planting trees but also ensuring their survival, signifying a long-term commitment to environmental sustainability and public health in Punjab.