Plantation of ten billion trees holds immense significance for Pakistan: PM Imran Khan

Plantation of ten billion trees holds immense significance for Pakistan: PM Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minster of Pakistan (PM) Imran Khan on Tuesday said that the plan of planting 10 billion trees holds immense significance for Pakistan.

While addressing the ceremony after signing the agreement between World Banks and Ministry of Climate Change, PM Imran said that the mutual pact is vital for the prosperity of Pakistan. He added that we are thankful to the World Bank and the country is influenced by the climate change. In order to stop the global warming, country must take important measures. The rain is reduced across the country. Rainfalls have reduced in Dera Ismail Khan (DIK) as well. Various countries are tensed over the matter of culminating environmental pollution in the globe.

Due to the increased number of fire, flood and other incidents of catastrophes destroying the forest, the frequency of the rainfall has decreased. The glaciers are melting down due to the increased temperature.

He went on to say that it is high time for Pakistan to plant 10 billion trees in the country. The campaign of planting trees is necessary for the national parks and cities. Most of the lands of the forest have been grabbed. We must save the forest areas from devastation. Population is culminating in the country at a very fast rate.

Furthermore, he said that Pakistan must save the parks across the country. He announced that 15 new national a parks must soon be established. The government will monitor the maintenance of the parks through drones and satellite. He added that in this way, the green sectors will be increased in the country. He further said that in Islamabad there is a great pressure of rising population.

Earlier in June 2021, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan had emphasized on achieving the tree plantation target under 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Program to protect country’s environmental future.

He was addressing a special event on Green Financing Innovations in the country, organized by Ministry of Climate Change in connection with World Environment Day in Islamabad. Underlining the importance of environmental protection for a better future of the next generations, he called for establishing national parks and promoting urban forestry.

The Prime Minister had said it is welcoming that people have started developing awareness about tree plantation, and school children were also taking part in the campaign. He said every citizen should contribute to making the country green.

Imran Khan said it was encouraging that mangrove cover has been expanding in Pakistan for the last 20 years. He stressed on the need for using new techniques adopted by China to raise forests in the country.

Imran Khan said that Pakistan contributes to global carbon emission less than one per cent; however, it was one of the most vulnerable countries in respect of global warming effects due to glacier melting.

He further said that the world started giving attention to climate change issue about twenty years ago and it was now realizing gravity of the situation. He said Pakistan will take the lead in the global efforts for environmental protection.

On the occasion, a joint statement was signed to initiate dialogue with the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada for Pakistan s first Nature Bond, and the possibility of a "Debt for Nature" Swap. World Bank s study on "Blue Carbon" was also presented which, for the first time, gives an economic value to the country s unvalued marine wealth including Pakistan s mangroves and sea grasses.

A MoU with China s Elion group was also signed for piloting green ecological zones in Pakistan.