Rawalakot: Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Sardar Tanvir Ilyas on Monday formally kicked off the ‘National Tree Plantation Campaign’ by planting a sapling at Rawalakot. Addressing the inaugural function, attended by Commissioner Ponch Division Muhammad Fareed Conservator Forest Serdar Muhammad Rafique and various officers from the different departments, AJK PM, while highlighting the importance of tree plantation, said that trees were an integral part of the human environment and forests happen to be an invaluable gift of nature. He said that trees can be used for Climate , health, Economics and Social Benifits so tree plantation is a crucial initiative for the betterment of our planet and all living beings. The plantation and protection of forests, he said, was not only essential for the preservation of the environment and sustainable development but it was vital for the survival and safety of our future generations. Terming trees as real ornaments of the mother planet, the PM said, “Forests are our future and to make it safe and secure is the responsibility of every single citizen of the state”. “We as a nation have a collective responsibility to protect and preserve that nurture,” he said. While addressing to function he stressed that tree plantation drives are an important initiative for environmental conservation, and they can help to address a range of issues, from climate change to deforestation. Referring to his government’s motto to make the state green and prosperous, he said, forest development was top priority of the PTI government. Forests, he said, were the most valuable asset of the state and due to the current climate change the importance of forests have even become more important to counter global warming. “Arboriculture and afforestation guarantee a secure future for our future generations”, he said, adding that the Forest Ministry has set a target to plant 100 million saplings during the ongoing tree planting campaign. He said that it would be the largest tree planting campaign in the history of Azad Kashmir.