Record breaking forester launches autobiography

ISLAMABAD: GM Khattak, one of the leading foresters in the country, launched his autobiography ‘In Pursuit of Excellence’ at Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) on Monday.

Khattak is the only PAS member and said he was humbled by the honour.

Khattak has achieved many milestones and is celebrated amongst his peers and colleagues. Some of his students were honoured to speak of his accomplishments at the launch of his book.

“To Khattak’s students, this book is a sacred document,” said Ashiq Ahmed Khan, a student.

Riazul Haq, former student of Khattak said, “No title other than ‘In Pursuit of Excellence’ would suit the nature of the book and what it stands for.” He felt it was a very versatile book free from fantasy, self-praise or bigotry. The Minister for Environment Hamidullah Jan Afridi expressed grave concern for the future of forests and informed the audience that due to Khattak’s efforts, Pakistan made the world record of maximum plantations in 2009 and earned a place in Guinness Book of World Records.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 29^th, 2010.