Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik announced that weekly tree plantation drives will be launched across Islamabad after March 31 to strengthen environmental protection, urban livability and climate resilience in the capital.
Speaking at a plantation ceremony at Shakarparian, the minister said the campaign will run for at least one to two months and will cover multiple locations across the city. The drives form part of a broader government strategy to expand green cover and mitigate climate impacts through sustained tree plantation efforts.
Dr Malik reiterated the government’s commitment to plant 10 trees for every one cut in Islamabad and said practical steps to implement this pledge have now begun. He invited the media and the public to observe plantation activities and independently assess progress on the commitments made.
Linking afforestation to wider climate challenges, the minister warned that rising temperatures, increasing carbon emissions and greenhouse gases are intensifying extreme weather events such as floods and accelerated glacier melt. He stressed that trees are essential natural carbon sinks that absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making tree plantation a central element of climate response.
The minister highlighted that expanding forest cover slows climate change, reduces flood intensity by improving water absorption, stabilises soil, prevents erosion and lessens wind damage during storms. Increasing urban tree canopy also helps lower temperatures, cut air pollution and create healthier environments for residents, making urban forestry a public health and quality-of-life priority.
Officials noted that trees planted in earlier drives are being protected and have shown healthy growth, a positive sign of continuity and seriousness in the government’s efforts. Dr Malik emphasised that awareness and community engagement, particularly among young people and schoolchildren who have been active participants, are critical to building a culture of environmental responsibility.
The minister also acknowledged the media’s role in raising public awareness about forest protection and urged outlets to further promote tree plantation and fuel-saving practices. He pointed out that fuel conservation under the government’s austerity policy will contribute to reduced carbon dioxide emissions, linking economic discipline with environmental benefit.
Calling for a whole-of-society approach, Dr Malik underlined the need for active participation by communities, educational institutions, civil society organisations and the corporate sector in tree plantation campaigns and the protection of forest resources. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nature-based solutions as Pakistan faces increasing climate vulnerabilities and to expand national tree cover for long-term environmental sustainability and resilience.
