President, PM Launch National Monsoon Tree Plantation Drive

ISLAMABAD 18 August Ali Imran Chattha 

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have jointly inaugurated Pakistan’s nationwide monsoon tree plantation campaign, appealing to citizens to actively participate in what they described as a “national duty” to combat climate change.

Trees as Lifeline of the Environment

In his message, President Zardari called trees the “lifeline of the environment” and the strongest shield against global warming. “Every tree planted is not only a barrier against disaster but also a source of life for generations,” he said.The campaign, running from August to October, aims to plant 41 million saplings across the country. The President stressed that its success depends on collective responsibility: youth as ambassadors of change, media as motivators, farmers safeguarding both crops and environment, and religious leaders inspiring communities.Citing the recent floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions, Mr. Zardari said the disasters underscored the urgency of accelerating reforestation, restoring degraded lands, and adopting climate-resilient practices.

Call for Nationwide Unity

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his remarks, said the campaign is designed to instil a sense of responsibility towards the environment and future generations. “This campaign is about more than just planting saplings; it is about protecting natural resources, enhancing biodiversity, and shielding our people from the destructive consequences of climate change,” he said.Highlighting that Pakistan has only five percent forest cover, Mr. Sharif warned that the country remains one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. The extraordinary monsoon rains and floods this year, he added, have reinforced the need for preventive, nature-based solutions.

Green Pakistan Vision

Reaffirming the government’s commitment under the Green Pakistan Programme, the Prime Minister said efforts will focus on expanding forests, improving soil fertility, and adopting innovative conservation methods.Both leaders urged federal and provincial governments, social and religious leaders, women, youth, and civil society to join hands, pledging that a greener, cleaner, and more prosperous Pakistan would be the legacy for future generations.