Islamabad Launches One Million Tree Plantation Campaign Under ‘Green Islamabad’ Drive

Islamabad (News Desk) – The National Press Club (NPC) and Capital Development Authority (CDA) have jointly launched a major campaign to plant one million trees across Islamabad as part of the “Green Islamabad” initiative. The campaign aims to protect the world’s second most beautiful capital city from the impacts of global warming and address the challenges of climate change.

The campaign was inaugurated by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, who planted the first sapling at the NPC lawn. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the NPC and CDA to ensure the plantation of one million trees within three years. The MoU was signed by NPC President Azhar Jatoi and CDA Director General Environment Owais Manzoor Tarrar.

The event was attended by prominent figures including PFUJ President Afzal Butt, NPC Secretary Nair Ali, Finance Secretary Waqar Abbasi, senior journalists, and CDA officials.

Chairman Randhawa emphasized that CDA, in collaboration with the media and civil society, is committed to achieving the target of planting one million trees. He said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to make Islamabad a clean and green city. “Keeping Islamabad beautiful is a shared responsibility,” he stated.

He also highlighted the ongoing electric bus service as part of the effort to reduce pollution. Currently, 160 electric buses operate in the city to curb environmental harm. Randhawa announced plans to make bus locations available online soon, improving passenger convenience. Bus stops are also being beautified and upgraded with facilities. The buses are being converted into public buses, with advertising used to generate revenue that will help reduce fares.

Randhawa proposed that NPC ensure every visitor plants a tree to contribute to environmental improvement. He reaffirmed CDA’s commitment to working with NPC and other organizations to advance Islamabad’s transformation into a green, clean, and modern city.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt praised the swift implementation of the electric bus route extension to Media Town, which was a longstanding demand from local residents. He expressed gratitude to the CDA chairman for acting promptly on this request and pledged full support from the journalist community in the tree plantation campaign.

Before the ceremony, journalists shared suggestions regarding electric bus routes and stops, and Chairman Randhawa assured that CDA officials and NPC leadership would work together to address these concerns.

The expansion of the electric bus service to Media Town was a key demand of the local community, raised during a recent meeting between NPC leaders and CDA officials led by Afzal Butt, which was immediately acted upon by the CDA chairman.

This campaign marks a significant step towards environmental sustainability and urban beautification in Pakistan’s capital.

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