President Asif Ali Zardari has said that tree plantation is a “guarantee for Pakistan’s safe future” as the country faces severe threats from climate change. He made the remarks in his message marking the launch of the nationwide monsoon plantation campaign on Monday.
The president announced that over 41 million saplings will be planted across the country between August and October this year. He emphasized that planting trees is a national duty, describing them as symbols of life and the strongest defense against climate change.
Highlighting the impacts of deforestation, rising temperatures, and recurring floods, President Zardari said the nation’s development depends on protecting forests and the natural environment. He stressed that every tree planted is a source of life for future generations and a shield against natural disasters.
Referring to the recent devastation caused by heavy rains and floods, he called for a decisive and collective effort to make the Green Pakistan Program a success.
The president particularly urged youth to lead the campaign as “ambassadors of change” and encouraged farmers to safeguard their crops and environment through plantation. He also appealed to the media, civil society, community leaders, and religious scholars to mobilize public support for the national cause.