On this 14th August the nation should plant more green trees instead of flags
FAISALABAD: On this 14th August the nation should plant more green trees instead of flags. That would be a bigger ode and expression of one’s patriotism towards the country. Fascinating flags and badges are important but not more than the dire need of planting trees to make the environment cleaner and safer for the living beings. Trees help to keep cities within a healthy temperature range which is increasing by 0.5°C annually. Trees are of prime importance to control temperature, pollution, etc.
Hence, why more trees instead of more flags? Because it’s a gift to our land and to the future generations. Pakistan will turn 71 this 14th August. The day has been celebrated since 1947. Despite the event being once in a year celebration, for a nation as poor as Pakistan more needs to be spent on the needful, so that both independence and progress can be celebrated alongside.
According to a study, one tree produces 260 litres of oxygen each year, a human being consumes about 550 litres of pure oxygen (19 cubic feet) per day.
Pakistan has a high deforestation rate in Asia. I am absolutely not opposing celebrations. My plea is based on facts, elaborating the importance of trees. The citizens should ritualise Independence Day, with the gift of trees, particularly vital to life in urban settlements.
Awais Ahmad
Published in The Express Tribune, August 7th, 2018.
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