Govt launches Monsoon Tree Plantation Drive to tackle climate risks

August 18, 2025 (MLN): The government has launched a nationwide Monsoon Tree Plantation Drive under the Green Pakistan Programme, as President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called for collective national action to combat climate change and build environmental resilience.

As part of the campaign, over 41 million saplings will be planted across the country, in what officials describe as a critical step toward restoring degraded ecosystems, boosting forest cover, and mitigating the impact of extreme weather events.

President Zardari, in his message, noted that Pakistan is already facing severe consequences of climate change, with floods and cloudbursts causing destruction in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions.

 He stressed that the Green Pakistan Programme is not only an ecological imperative but also an economic one, aimed at rehabilitating land, restoring biodiversity, and supporting livelihoods through nature-based solutions.

“The well-being and progress of any nation are grounded in the preservation of its forests and natural environment,” the President said, adding that reforestation would help address long-term climate vulnerabilities.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to scaling up forestation and soil fertility initiatives under the programme.

 He emphasized that tree plantation plays a vital role in conserving natural resources, flora, and fauna, while also contributing to sustainable economic growth by protecting agricultural productivity and reducing disaster risks.

The Prime Minister urged citizens to take ownership of the drive, calling tree plantation a national, environmental, and climate duty.

Experts note that Pakistan’s accelerated push for reforestation is aligned with its international commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With global climate financing increasingly tied to green initiatives, expanding forest cover and investing in natural capital are expected to play a key role in attracting funding, improving food security, and reducing fiscal losses from climate-related disasters.

The Green Pakistan Programme, launched as a national framework for environmental rehabilitation, is seen as central to advancing Pakistan’s long-term strategy for climate resilience, sustainable growth, and a greener economy.

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