PM leads green push with 41m-tree plantation drive

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday launched the annual monsoon tree plantation campaign with the theme for the first week: "One Daughter — One Tree". As part of the campaign, 41 million new trees will be planted across the country over the next three months (Aug to Oct).

"Tree plantation is an important national, environmental, and climatic duty. It is essential to instill a sense of responsibility about it among all citizens," the prime minister said while chairing a meeting to inaugurate the Annual Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign.

He directed that all relevant authorities must ensure that the tree plantation campaign was not just a symbolic activity but was implemented effectively.

"Tree plantation is a top priority for providing a healthy natural environment for future generations and for protecting against the destruction caused by climate change," he said.

The premier assured that the federal government will extend all possible support to make the tree plantation campaign a success.

He stressed that all provincial governments, social and religious leaders, as well as all segments of society, particularly students, must play a constructive and coordinated role in the tree plantation campaign.

The prime minister gave special instructions that the growth and survival of the planted trees should be monitored using modern technology. "Tree plantation has positive impacts on human life and plays a key role in the protection and enhancement of invaluable natural resources, wildlife, and vegetation", the prime minister noted.

He said combating the harmful effects of climate change and increasing forest cover was only possible through an integrated and comprehensive strategy.

The PM also gave special directions to pay particular attention to tree plantation in AJK and G-B to mitigate the impacts of seasonal and flood-related disasters.

Separately, the premier reaffirmed that the government's health sector team, polio workers, and all relevant institutions were determined to completely eradicate polio from the country.