Youth urged to promote tree plantation

DIR: Urging youth to promote tree plantation to keep the environment clean, Commissioner Malakand Division Saqib Raza Aslam on Friday said that Upper Dir and other districts had suffered a lot owing to floods caused by climate change.

Speaking at a two-day seminar on World Environment Day and World Food Safety Day at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, he emphasised the need for youth to play a role in mitigating the effects of climate change. The seminar was organised by the district administration and district youth office.

The commissioner said that Upper Dir, Swat and Chitral had experienced five major floods over the last few years that caused huge destruction. “Our country is fortunate to have a majority of young people and we should all plant at least one tree and avoid using plastic bags to ensure a clean environment,” he said. He added it was the duty of all segments of the society to play their due role to create awareness about climate change.

Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali, District Youth Officer Jahanzeb Pasha, Vice-Chancellor of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Prof Dr. Muhammad Shahab, and Vice-Chancellor of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women’s University, Peshawar, Prof Dr. Safia Ahmed and others were also present on the occasion.

The participants presented their research papers and experiences related to climate change. A question-answer session was also held and the guests distributed shields and certificates among the participants.