Nowshera: ReNews Pakistan
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah has emphasized that a greener province is essential to address environmental protection and climate change challenges, as the government launched a large-scale tree plantation campaign on Pakistan Day.
The “Ehsaas Shajar” drive was formally inaugurated in Nowshera, where the chief secretary planted a sapling at the AFU Range located on Azakhel Spin Kani Charat Road. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including the provincial forest secretary, Deputy Commissioner Nowshera Irfanullah Mehsud, forest authorities, police officials, civil society members, teachers, and students.
Marking Pakistan Day, the campaign set a record target of planting one million saplings across the province in a single day on an official level, with active participation from the public. Plantation activities were carried out simultaneously at 285 locations throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing the ceremony, the chief secretary stated that promoting greenery in the province is crucial for ensuring a safe, prosperous, and sustainable future for Pakistan. He added that Pakistan Day serves as a reminder to renew commitment towards serving the nation with integrity and dedication.
To ensure transparency and effective monitoring, the KP IT Board has established a digital web portal and a central control system, enabling real-time tracking of plantation activities through mobile images and live video feeds. A central control room has also been set up by the forest department to oversee the campaign.
Citizens have been encouraged to actively participate by planting trees in their homes and communities and sharing their contributions through the official portal.
The provincial government has pledged to continue the campaign, with a future target of planting 1.4 million saplings on August 14 to further expand forest cover.
Separately, Deputy Commissioner Nowshera Irfanullah Mehsud also took part in the campaign by planting a sapling at the DC House. He stated that 25,000 saplings have already been distributed across the district among government departments, youth groups, volunteers, and civil society, with additional plantation efforts underway to meet provincial targets.
Officials reiterated that tree planting not only improves environmental conditions but also ensures a safer and healthier future for the coming generations.