**Islamabad Launches One Million Tree Plantation Drive in Partnership with National Press Club and CDA**
The National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) have jointly launched a major environmental initiative to plant one million trees in Islamabad under the “Green Islamabad” campaign. The project aims to combat the threats of global warming and climate change while enhancing the natural beauty of Pakistan’s capital.
The campaign was formally inaugurated by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, who planted the first sapling at the NPC lawn. To cement their collaboration, the NPC and CDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint implementation of the three-year tree plantation plan. The agreement was signed by NPC President Azhar Jatoi and CDA Director General (Environment) Owais Manzoor Tarar. The ceremony was attended by senior journalists, elected NPC officials, CDA representatives, and members of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), including PFUJ President Afzal Butt.
Speaking at the event, CDA Chairman Randhawa emphasized the joint responsibility of all citizens to protect and beautify Islamabad. He reiterated CDA’s commitment to working closely with media and civil society partners to achieve the target of planting one million trees. The initiative is part of the federal government’s “Clean and Green” vision for the capital city, and seeks not only to mitigate environmental risks, but also set an example for other cities.
Chairman Randhawa highlighted CDA’s broader strategy to fight pollution, noting that the recent introduction of 160 electric buses across the city is another significant step toward a cleaner and greener Islamabad. He shared that efforts are underway to modernize the public transport system, including equipping bus stops with enhanced facilities and integrating bus tracking with Google Maps for greater commuter convenience. He also revealed plans to generate revenue through bus advertisements, with the aim of reducing fares for passengers.
As a symbolic measure to encourage long-term participation, Chairman Randhawa suggested that every visitor to the National Press Club plant a sapling, helping to reinforce a culture of environmental stewardship.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt, in his remarks, appreciated the swift action taken by CDA to extend the electric bus route to Media Town following direct discussions with the NPC’s elected leadership. He reaffirmed the journalists’ community’s commitment to leading the Green Islamabad campaign and contributing actively to environmental protection efforts.
During the ceremony, journalists put forward several suggestions to further enhance the coverage and accessibility of the electric bus service, including additional stops and route adjustments. Chairman Randhawa assured the participants that ongoing consultation between CDA officials and the NPC leadership would ensure these issues are resolved promptly.
The extension of the electric bus route to Media Town was a longstanding demand of local residents and media professionals, which the CDA addressed following a formal request from the NPC and PFUJ leadership. This move has been welcomed as a positive step towards sustainable urban mobility and enhanced public service in the capital.
In closing, Chairman Randhawa reaffirmed CDA’s commitment to working with the press and other stakeholders to make Islamabad a model city that is clean, green, and modern. He also encouraged the media to highlight city issues, promising that the CDA would respond promptly to public concerns.
