Green Pakistan Programme to be launched soon

Islamabad: The Green Pakistan Programme announced by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would be launched as soon as the provincial departments submit their proposals identifying specific locations where tree plantation is necessary to cope with the negative impacts of the climate change.

Forest Inspector General Syed Mahmood Nasir said the Green Pakistan Programme is aimed at protecting the country and its people from devastating impacts of climate change, which have witnessed increase in intensity and frequency over recent years.

He said the federal government has taken all necessary measures and is now ready to launch Green Pakistan Programme, adding "This programme would be a success story because it would help increase tree cover in the face of increasing threats to the natural environment."

It is pertinent to mention here that forests hold back floodwater by nearly 72 hours and reduce intensity of the deluge water, lower chances of deaths and damages to roads, building infrastructures, bridges as well as standing crops from being washed away or wiped out.

The spokesman said a letter has been sent to the provincial governments to roll out plans for implementing the Green Pakistan Programme at the earliest.

He said through the letter, the ministry has conveyed to the provincial governments the significance of the Green Pakistan Programme for sustainable socio-economic development of the country and coping with climate change.