PESHAWAR: Chairman of Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan today started Green Ribbon Movement with slogan of “One Tree One Life”. He was joined by hundreds of students in Peshawar to mark the International Day of Forests by planting 100,000 trees under the umbrella of the billion tree tsunami.

Addressing the occasion, Imran Khan congratulated the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for its perseverance in carrying out the billion tree campaign and turning the vision into a reality.

“These efforts are being recognized by the global community including international forestry organizations; it was all the result of government and citizens cooperation that even in remote mountain areas locals are being engaged to nurture tree nurseries, and in return providing a boost to the local economy as well,” he said.

“These trees would forever be a part of KP s natural capital, with quantifiable value in the form of carbon credits, and the passion of Peshawar s youth in taking part in this tree plantation drive is commendable,” said PTI chief.

International Day of Forests is observed annually on March 21 to raise awareness of the importance of forests to people. Forests cover one third of the Earth s land mass, performing vital functions around the world.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf led Khyber Pakhtunkawa is the first in the Pakistan to start a massive afforestation campaign. It is pertinent to note that in 70 years of country’s history only 60 crores tress have been planted in totality across the country. Soon after PTI formed the government in 2013, it was announced that 1 billion trees will be planted in the province over the next five years.

The KP government plans to plant 1.2 billion trees by 2018. One million trees are being planted everyday to achieve the target. Forests Guards, locally known as “Nigehbaan” are being hired to ensure that the saplings are protected and grown into mature plants.