Planting 1.1 million trees on behalf of Alkhidmat Foundation is a commendable initiative: Hafiz Naeemur Rehman
LAHORE, Oct 24 (SABAH): Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan organized a Mega Plantation Drive at Ideal Park Township Lahore. The event marked the culmination of this year’s Mega Plantation Drive with 5,000 plants planted.
Emir Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan’s Vice Presidents Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed Mangat, Syed Ehsanullah Waqas, Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore’s Emir Zia Uddin Ansari, Alkhidmat Lahore’s President Engineer Ahmad Hammad Rashid, and other guests, along with students of various universities and colleges as well as volunteers participated in large number.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that due to rapidly changing weather conditions globally and ineffective government policies, pollution and smog are increasing alarmingly, adding big cities have become gas chambers. He said the citizens face respiratory issues and other diseases due to oxygen deficiency and pollution which is also overburdening hospitals.
Alkhidmat Foundation’s achievement of planting 11 lakh trees while surpassing its target of 10 lakh is commendable, he said and added every Pakistani should participate in this initiative.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman emphasized that if effective measures aren’t taken, problems will escalate in the coming years. He noted that Pakistan’s forest cover is less than 5%, whereas the global standard is 25%. Pakistan needs to increase its forest cover to at least 10% for environmental stability, he noted.
He said that Pakistan is among the most affected countries in the world due to climate change. In the last two decades, Pakistan has lost more than 10 billion dollars due to this and every year floods, droughts and glaciers. He said high temperatures, unpredictable rains, floods, and water scarcity have affected agriculture, food security and general life. A clear reduction in these problems can be achieved by planting more trees, he added.
Dr. Mushtaq Mangat said that Alkhidmat Foundation’s Mega Plantation Drive aims to mitigate climate change effects, eliminate smog and pollution, and beautify Lahore and other Pakistani cities. Lahore, once famous for its gardens now ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, he added.
He said that Alkhidmat Foundation’s nationwide plantation campaign includes various tree species, adding the organization plans to plant 10 million trees. To meet growing demand, a 7-acre nursery is being established to prepare one million plants for next year, he said and added more nurseries will be set up nationwide.
He said the campaign’s objective is to plant trees and engage volunteers and the public in environmental conservation. He maintained that Alkhidmat Foundation has a comprehensive system for plant care, including monitoring teams ensuring water supply, protective sheds, and growth. He said youth clubs and educational institutions are being involved to motivate young people in this regard, adding training and awareness programs enable them to contribute to the campaign.
Dr. Mushtaq Mangat said that Alkhidmat Foundation shares its activities with renowned international organizations and environmental organizations and reports progress on global environmental forums to showcase Pakistan’s environmental efforts.