PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department has launched preparations to plant more than 1.4 million saplings across the province on Independence Day, as part of its ongoing efforts to expand forest cover and strengthen environmental resilience.
Secretary Climate Change, Forests, Environment and Wildlife Junaid Khan said the initiative was part of the provincial government’s commitment to making Khyber Pakhtunkhwa greener, healthier and more environmentally secure.
He said the Forest Department had already successfully planted more than one million saplings on March 23, and was now undertaking an even larger plantation target for August 14.
According to the secretary, more than 1.7 million saplings have been transported to relevant districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to facilitate the Independence Day plantation campaign.
The campaign is being implemented under the “Green Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” vision of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, with the participation of government departments, the Forest Department, civil society organisations, welfare groups, students, educational institutions, youth and communities.
Junaid Khan said the initiative was not merely about planting trees but represented a collective effort to create cleaner air, greener valleys, protected natural resources and a more sustainable future for coming generations.
He said the Independence Day celebrations would provide an opportunity to connect the spirit of freedom with environmental responsibility, with people across the province encouraged to participate in plantation activities.
“Freedom gives us a homeland, but trees give that homeland life,” the secretary said, urging citizens to plant at least one tree on Independence Day and take responsibility for protecting it.
He stressed that the success of plantation campaigns depended not only on the number of saplings planted but also on their survival and long-term care.
Junaid Khan called upon government institutions, civil society, students, youth and the general public to actively participate in the campaign and contribute to the province’s efforts to increase green cover and address the impacts of climate change.
He urged citizens to raise a sapling alongside the national flag on August 14 as a symbol of their commitment to a greener Pakistan.
The secretary concluded with the message: “One sapling — one commitment; one tree — a brighter future.”
The Forest Department said the Independence Day plantation campaign would further strengthen ongoing efforts to promote environmental conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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