The 18th of August marks the launch of a nationwide tree plantation drive at a time when Pakistan faces the harsh realities of climate change. The well-being and progress of any nation are grounded in the preservation of its forests and natural environment. Deforestation, rising temperatures, and frequent floods are challenges affecting millions of lives. With insufficient forest cover leaving our land vulnerable to disasters that endanger our economy, agriculture, and well-being, this campaign is not symbolic—it is an important step to safeguard Pakistan’s future.
Trees are the lifeline of our environment and one of the strongest defenses against climate change. They clean the air we breathe, enrich the soil that feeds us, regulate our climate, conserve our precious water resources, and provide shelter to countless species of life. Trees lower extreme temperatures, absorb rainwater, and reduce floods and landslides. Every tree planted is a shield against disaster and a source of life for generations.
This year, between August and October, over 41 million saplings will be planted across Pakistan. From cities to villages, and from schools to government institutions, this campaign will reshape our landscapes, strengthen resilience against climate disasters, and kindle hope for a greener tomorrow.
Its success depends on collective responsibility. Youth must lead as ambassadors of change, the media should inspire households, and farmers can protect both crops and the environment through tree plantation. Civil society, community leaders, and religious scholars must also motivate and encourage the people to plant trees as a national duty.
At this critical time, when climate change has already brought destruction to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country through floods and cloudbursts, we must act decisively to plant more and more trees. Our collective response must be to work for advancing the Green Pakistan Programme, a national initiative to expand forest cover, rehabilitate degraded lands, restore the balance of nature, and promote nature-based solutions. This is not simply about planting trees; it is about creating healthier communities, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring a climate-resilient future for generations to come.
In this plantation campaign, I urge all citizens to take part in this noble cause and plant saplings to build a greener, cleaner, and more prosperous Pakistan for generations to come.
EMBARGO: NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/ BROADCAST/ TELECAST BEFORE 18TH AUGUST, 2025
