Punjab Minister for Minerals Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani on Saturday said that over 800,000 saplings would planted in the Murree district as part of preserving forestry and protecting wildlife and humans from environmental hazards.
Addressing a special event organised by the Forest Department of Murree on the occasion of World Forest Day, he urged everyone to pledge to make this land green and prosperous by planting at least one tree. He further called for efforts to protect forests from fire.
Also present were Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, Murree District Police Officer (DPO) Asif Amin Awan, Chief Officer of Forests, Conservator of Forests DFO Murree, Sudheer Mughal, District Emergency Officer Kamran Rashid, Murree District PML-N president Raja Daftar Abbasi, and other heads of district departments.
The minister emphasised the importance of the day and noted that the special event was held in the picturesque Murree Hills by the Forest Department.
He further said that the depletion of forests not only halts the supply of natural resources but also disrupts human life. "Humans cannot survive without oxygen, and the changing seasons and plummeting underground water levels are clear indicators of environmental degradation."
The minister stressed that while infrastructure like roads, bridges, plazas, and new housing societies are necessary, the indiscriminate cutting of trees must stop. "Trees are not only vital for life but also maintain ecological balance and enhance the environment. One tree can provide oxygen for thirty-six children, he noted, adding that each tree produces 4.6 tons of oxygen and absorbs 6.3 tons of carbon dioxide annually."
During the ceremony, nearly 500,000 saplings were planted by schoolchildren, district officials, and the Forest Department personnel. A target of planting 810,840 trees during the spring season of 2025 was set, which includes 80,340 large trees, 130,500 small plants, and 600,000 seedlings.
Various organisations and departments such as the Pakistan Army, Education, Health, PHA, Rescue 1122, Tourism, Police, the Municipal Corporation, civil society representatives, media professionals and local residents participated in the plantation drive.
The provincial minister and others officially inaugurated the plantation campaign by planting saplings in the areas near Jeikagali, close to Peli Mati.
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