Plantation plans along highways discussed

Islamabad:Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, and Federal Minister for Communications, Aleem Khan, convened a high-level meeting today to discuss a joint initiative for the commercial plantation of fruit trees along Pakistan’s motorways and highways.

The ministers agreed to promote climate-appropriate, area-specific plantations through a lease-based model for the first three years, enabling private sector participation without imposing financial burdens on the government. The initiative aims to generate revenue, enhance environmental resilience, and contribute to the reduction of Pakistan’s carbon footprint.

Dr. Malik emphasised the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration and confirmed that his ministry would provide full technical and institutional support, including facilitation in carbon credit generation.

To ensure swift progress, the minister directed the formation of a strike team within 72 hours to develop a detailed implementation roadmap and establish a framework for carbon credit calculation and emissions tracking.

Also present at the meeting were Chairman National Highway Authority, Muhammad Shehryar Sultan, and Inspector General National Highways and Motorway Police, B.A. Nasir. Both officials expressed their full support and commitment to the successful execution of the initiative.