Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) joined the nation promoting the concept of Green Pakistan, by planting a number of saplings of fruit trees at its main premise. The monsoon plantation drive was undertaken in collaboration with the Punjab Forest Department and Friends of Environment, Islamabad. The saplings were planted by AIOU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shahid Siddiqui along with senior officials of the university. The university will maintain its regular practice taking part in the nation-wide campaign, making the country clean and beautiful, AIOU VC Dr Shahid Siddiqui said while inaugurating the drive. It also aims at motivating the youth to help in developing pollution free environment, he added. The vice chancellor announced that the university’s 44 regional offices will be undertaking similar tree-plantation drive. The event was arranged by the university’s agriculture department. The Punjab Forest Department has provided 500 saplings of fruits to the university to involve its students and academic staff in the campaign. Rawalpindi Divisional Forest Officer Abid Hussain Gondal thanked AIOU for its support, making the plantation drive successful. Published in Daily Times, August 17th 2018.