ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has emphasized that trees are essential for environmental protection, ecological balance, clean and healthy surroundings, and the survival of life, calling for increased forest cover and plantation to be made national priorities.
In his message on National Plantation Day, observed across Pakistan on August 18 every year, the Speaker said the country was facing serious challenges including climate change, rising temperatures, water scarcity, environmental pollution and floods.
He said expanding forests was crucial to addressing these challenges effectively. Trees not only help purify the air, provide oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and prevent soil erosion, but also play an important role in groundwater recharge, protecting water resources and promoting biodiversity.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq warned that uncontrolled deforestation and the decline in green cover were reducing the land’s capacity to absorb rainwater, thereby increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.
He stressed that forest conservation, protection of rivers and natural waterways, and large-scale plantation were important measures for reducing flood risks and strengthening ecosystems.
The Speaker said plantation should not be limited to planting saplings, adding that their proper care, protection and survival were equally important. He urged citizens, particularly young people, to participate actively in plantation campaigns and consider protecting newly planted trees a national responsibility.
He called for stronger government measures to promote forest conservation and address the impacts of climate change. He said the success of plantation campaigns required a coordinated strategy involving federal and provincial governments, local authorities, educational institutions, the private sector and civil society.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also stressed the need for integrated measures to increase forest cover, protect existing forests, restore natural waterways and improve water management to address climate-related risks and ensure a safe environment for future generations.
He said Parliament was committed to legislation aimed at environmental protection, climate resilience and the sustainable use of natural resources.
“Environmental protection is not the responsibility of any single institution or government; it is a collective responsibility,” he said, urging every citizen to plant and protect trees and contribute to keeping the environment clean.
The Speaker said a greener Pakistan is the foundation of a healthier, safer and brighter future.
In his message, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said plantation was an effective means of protecting the environment and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change.
He said protecting forests and planting more trees was a shared responsibility, adding that forest restoration and conservation of natural ecosystems could help reduce the risks posed by climate-related disasters, including floods.
The Deputy Speaker reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to continuing efforts for environmentally friendly initiatives, environmental conservation and sustainable development.
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