Green Punjab Drive Launched to Restore Margalla Hills

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif titled “Green Punjab” and the national “Plant for Pakistan” initiative, the Punjab Forest Department, in collaboration with Faisal Town Group, has launched a special tree plantation campaign in the Margalla Hills region.

The initiative aims to promote environmental sustainability and restore the natural green cover of the area, which has been adversely affected by stone crushing and other human activities. Faisal Town Group, on the occasion, reaffirmed its commitment under its Vision 2040 to develop Faisal Hills as a model green housing society where environmental balance will be prioritised alongside modern urban infrastructure.

As part of the campaign, large-scale tree plantation has begun during the ongoing spring season, with an ambitious target of planting 500,000 saplings by 2026. Environmental experts stress that such initiatives are essential to counter rising air pollution, smog, and the growing impacts of climate change.

The plantation drive was held at Faisal Hills and saw active participation from representatives of public and private sector organisations, students, and local residents. The formal launch was marked by the release of green balloons, followed by the planting of hundreds of saplings as a renewed commitment to restoring the Margalla Hills ecosystem.

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Addressing the gathering, Members of the National Assembly Asiya Tanoli and Mohsin Ayub Khan lauded the environmental initiatives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb. They said plantation drives were the need of the hour in view of worsening environmental challenges, adding that tree plantation is a form of continuous charity that ensures a cleaner and healthier future for coming generations.

Speaking to the media, Chief Conservator of Forests Iftikhar-ul-Hassan Farooqi said that the vision of Plant for Pakistan is being actively implemented under the leadership of the Punjab government. He added that forest restoration is critical in addressing climate change challenges and that the campaign would help rehabilitate the damaged forest areas of the Margalla Hills.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, participants planted saplings and pledged to continue the plantation drive in the coming months, while also ensuring proper protection and maintenance of the newly planted trees.