Urban forestry, the practice of managing trees and green spaces in urban environments, has emerged as a critical strategy in addressing rising temperatures and climate stress in densely populated areas. In Pakistan, a country increasingly vulnerable to climate change, urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a growing concern. Cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad face extreme heat spells exacerbated by deforestation, concrete sprawl, vehicular emissions, and poor planning. The absorption and radiation of heat by concrete and asphalt, combined with limited vegetation cover, have led to soaring daytime and nighttime temperatures, placing immense pressure on urban infrastructure and public health systems. With the frequency and intensity of heatwaves on the rise, particularly in urban slums and underserved communities, urban forestry is being recognised not only as an environmental intervention but as a public health necessity.
Recent years have seen some promising efforts towards incorporating urban forestry into municipal agendas. Initiatives like the “10 Billion Tree Tsunami” launched by the Government of Pakistan, and localized urban plantation drives in cities like Lahore’s Miyawaki forests, signal a shift in public awareness and policy focus. These projects aim to improve canopy cover, reduce ambient temperature, and mitigate air pollution. The Miyawaki technique, in particular, involves the dense planting of native tree species, offering rapid growth and high carbon sequestration. In Karachi, public and private organisations have begun reclaiming barren urban spaces by planting indigenous trees such as Neem, Peepal, and Gulmohar, which are known for their resilience and shading capabilities. While these efforts are commendable, they remain fragmented and often lack integration into broader urban planning frameworks.
Scientific evidence strongly supports the link between green urban spaces and heat mitigation. Trees provide shade, reduce surface and air temperatures through evapotranspiration, and limit the heat absorption capacity of buildings and roads. A well-designed urban forest can lower surrounding air temperatures by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius. This is especially significant for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, outdoor workers, and children, who are most susceptible to heat-related illnesses. In addition to thermal regulation, urban forests play a critical role in improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and enhancing biodiversity within cities. The shade provided by trees reduces the energy demands of buildings by decreasing reliance on air conditioning, thus offering economic as well as environmental benefits. However, the effectiveness of urban forests depends heavily on tree species selection, maintenance, and alignment with the specific climatic zones of Pakistan’s diverse regions.
Despite its advantages, urban forestry in Pakistan faces several systemic and socio-political challenges. Rapid urbanisation, land encroachment, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited public awareness continue to undermine the success of greening initiatives. Urban development often prioritises road expansion and commercial infrastructure at the cost of green spaces, resulting in tree-cutting and deforestation. Additionally, there is a lack of coordination between urban planners, local governments, environmental agencies, and communities, which leads to poor implementation and maintenance of afforestation projects. In many cases, planted trees fail to survive due to poor species selection or inadequate post-plantation care. Further, the socio-cultural detachment from environmental stewardship in some urban areas hinders community participation in sustaining green spaces. Addressing these issues requires both institutional reform and the fostering of a collective urban ecological ethic, where trees are viewed not merely as decorative elements but as essential infrastructure for urban resilience.
By: Adnan Hafiz
The author is Research Fellow in Eco-Health Research Group led by Prof Audil Rashid in the University of Gujrat, Pakistan
Author can be contacted at: adnan.hafiz@uog.edu.pk
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