PM wants Pakistanis to gear up for 'biggest tree planting campaign'

Premier stresses on youth to participate in drive to begin this monsoon season

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan urged the nation on Sunday to gear up for "the biggest tree planting campaign in our history".

"I want all Pakistanis, esp our youth, to gear up for the biggest tree planting campaign in our history. We have a lot of catching up to do," the premier said on Twitter.

I want all Pakistanis, esp our youth, to gear up for the biggest tree planting campaign in our history. We have a lot of catching up to do. pic.twitter.com/miObo6XLK6

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 27, 2021

"And we will be gearing up this monsoon season for our plantation drive - the biggest in Pakistan's history," he added.

And we will be gearing up this monsoon season for our plantation drive - the biggest in Pakistan's history.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 27, 2021

On June 3, the premier said Pakistan must achieve the target of planting 10 billion trees to protect the future generations and play its due role in mitigating global warming.

"Pakistan is among the 10 most vulnerable countries with regard to global warming," he added.

"The country must play its part in saving the world from global warming," the PM said, urging to grow more national forests, increasing the number of trees and investing in urban forestry.

Citing the example of China and Indonesia, PM imran observed that Pakistan could learn a lot from these countries in terms of green innovations.

"Pakistan's future lies in these efforts! We have taken our natural resources for granted, but now is the time [to care for them]," he remarked.

Read Pakistan hosting 'Environment Day' recognition of our efforts: PM Imran

The premier termed the growth of mangrove forests a good omen for the country. "No other forests witnessed such growth," he said.

"We started the billion tree initiative in 2013, now we have to raise awareness about it," the premier added.

"Pakistan will take the lead in tackling the challenges of global warming and carbon emissions," he said.

The premier warned that if the green cause was ignored today the country will reach a point of no return.

In August last year, the premier launched the largest tree plantation drive in the history of Pakistan as the ruling party commemorated the 'Tiger Force Day'.

Addressing a ceremony organised in Islamabad to launch the drive, the premier said many of the areas in the country will turn into desert which will lead to poverty if we did not take measures to overcome the effects of climate change.