KP govt launches drive to plant fruit trees

PESHAWAR: The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced a province-wide initiative to plant fruit-bearing and indigenous trees as part of a large-scale environmental restoration campaign.

According to official directives issued by the chief minister, all administrative secretaries, commissioners, and deputy commissioners have been instructed to actively participate in the effort.

In a statement issued from his office, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif, said the chief minister has expressed deep concern over the declining population of native bird species such as the bulbul, myna, and hoopoe. He noted that the scarcity of fruit-bearing trees has forced these rare birds to abandon their natural habitats in the province.

To address this growing ecological concern, the government has directed all departments, official colonies, and public spaces to initiate tree plantation drives. The campaign will be formally launched during the upcoming monsoon season and will focus on medium-sized, locally-sourced saplings to ensure effective growth and environmental compatibility.

Barrister Dr. Saif added that all government departments have been asked to prepare and submit their own detailed plantation reports.