PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Monday launched the Ehsaas Shajar campaign by planting a sapling at the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, in line with PTI founder Imran Khan’s Clean and Green Pakistan vision.
Launched on the third day of Eid, which coincides with Pakistan Day (March 23), the initiative aims to plant one million saplings across the province in a single day, a record effort at the official level. Public participation is also encouraged where citizens are encouraged to contribute at the grassroots level.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Afridi described the drive as a historic and record-breaking step taken on the auspicious occasions of Eid and Pakistan Day. He highlighted that the provincial government has set a firm target of one million trees planted officially on March 23, with local communities actively joining.
Afridi credited the PTI-led administration’s sustained efforts for a remarkable increase in the province’s forest cover.
“The government is fully committed to protecting our environment, future generations and the planet,” he said, adding that practical measures are continuing without interruption.
He stressed the urgency of expanding and protecting forests amid escalating environmental challenges, leaving no room for negligence. “This national goal requires a collective effort and every section of the society must play its part enthusiastically,” he noted.
The Chief Minister made a strong appeal to the people to participate energetically in the tree plantation operations and ensure a safe, green and vibrant environment for future generations.
Officials informed that simultaneous plantation activities are underway at 285 different locations in the province, with all preparations completed in advance. A modern web portal and a central control system have been activated for effective monitoring along with a dedicated control room in the Forest Department for real-time monitoring.
The public has been invited to plant trees in their areas, share photos and videos of their efforts on the web portal and contribute to strengthening the collective effort.
The provincial government remains resolute in maintaining momentum, with another major target of planting 1.4 million saplings set for August 14 (Independence Day) to further expand green efforts and ensure a lush, protected environment.
