TAXILA: The Punjab government has intensified efforts to make Pakistan greener, with the restoration of the Margalla forest emerging as one of its top environmental priorities.
Officials described the initiative as more than just a development project, calling it a long-term vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif aimed at ensuring a sustainable and green future for coming generations. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has been termed the driving force behind the vision.
A large-scale tree plantation campaign was organized in the Taxila region for the restoration of the Margalla forest.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from children, as well as students from schools and colleges. Youth also took active part in the campaign, with organizers urging young Pakistanis to contribute by planting trees to combat environmental degradation.
Chief Conservator of Forests Punjab, Iftikhar-ul-Hassan Farooqi, said the provincial government is taking comprehensive measures to promote a greener Pakistan and is especially encouraging the younger generation to take ownership of environmental protection.
He added that special plantation drives have also been arranged to promote women’s participation in afforestation efforts.
Member of the National Assembly Asia Tanoli said the campaign reflects the broader vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to transform Pakistan into a green and environmentally resilient country.
She stressed that if every young citizen plants even one tree, it would significantly brighten the country’s future. Highlighting the growing threat of climate change, she emphasized the urgent need to increase tree cover, announcing that over 200,000 trees will be planted in Taxila alone.
Member of the Provincial Assembly Mohsin Ayub Khan said both the Chief Minister and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb have consistently supported forest restoration initiatives, while the Punjab Forest Department has actively contributed to the campaign from all fronts.
The ceremony concluded with participants planting saplings, reaffirming their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.
