Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday inaugurated the “Ehsaas Shajar Campaign” by planting a sapling at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, marking the start of a large-scale afforestation drive in the province.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said the government had launched a “historic and record-setting” plantation campaign coinciding with Pakistan Day and the upcoming Eid, with a target to plant one million saplings in a single day.
He noted that citizens were also actively participating in the initiative at the community level, reflecting growing public awareness about environmental protection.
CM Afridi said that due to the policies and initiatives of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government, forest cover in the province had witnessed a significant increase in recent years.
He emphasised that the government was committed to safeguarding the environment for future generations and was taking practical steps to address ecological concerns.
Highlighting the impact of climate change and environmental degradation, the chief minister said the promotion and protection of forests had become essential to ensure a sustainable future.
Meanwhile, a large-scale tree plantation drive was launched in Kohat on Pakistan Day under the “Green Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” vision, as Additional Assistant Commissioner-III Syed Mukhtiar Shah inaugurated the campaign at Circuit House by planting saplings. The initiative marked the beginning of the district’s spring afforestation efforts, aimed at environmental protection and a cleaner Pakistan, while citizens were urged to participate actively in making their surroundings green.
In line with the government’s target of planting one million saplings in a single day, a major plantation ceremony was also organized at Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST). The event was jointly inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nawaz Wazir and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Syed Zafar Ilyas, who planted saplings alongside faculty, students, and staff, meanwhile the campaign witnessed enthusiastic participation from all segments of society.