Plant for Pakistan: A Powerful Green Shield Against Climate Disasters
Plant for Pakistan is a national reforestation mission building climate resilience and protecting communities from floods, heatwaves, and erosion. Discover its impact and success stories.
Plant for Pakistan is not just a plantation campaign — it is a transformative movement redefining environmental responsibility in the face of Pakistan’s escalating climate vulnerability. From torrential floods to deadly heatwaves and deforestation, Pakistan is confronting a climate crisis of historic proportions. The nation’s green response has taken root through mass afforestation — a proactive shield to mitigate the damage.
Abdul Qadar’s Nursery – Climate Resilience in Action
In Peshawar’s Tarnab Farm, 26-year-old Abdul Qadar is proving how trees can turn despair into economic opportunity. “I applied for many government jobs but didn’t qualify due to lack of experience,” he said, standing beside hundreds of saplings ready for delivery. “So I started this nursery in 2019 with support from my father. Today, it’s my life’s work.”
His nursery thrives especially during monsoon, a peak plantation season. “Government departments and NGOs prefer buying from us during this time,” he adds. But climate threats remain real. “In 2022, floods damaged much of our stock. River Bara’s water washed away many of our plants.”
Abdul Qadar’s story illustrates how green entrepreneurship is both a tool for survival and a contribution to national reforestation goals.
Flood Threats and Community-Led Green Response
In Swat, 2022’s deadly floods reminded Pakistan that climate change is not distant—it’s already here. Eighteen tourists tragically lost their lives as River Swat overflowed. Experts suggest that widespread plantation in Kalam and Oshu valleys could have reduced the disaster’s intensity.
In Nowshera, local farmer Hussain Khan lost two kanal of land to River Kabul. Today, he’s fighting back — with trees. “I’ve planted Poplar and Shisham along the riverbank to control erosion,” he said. His action is part of a grassroots movement that aligns with Plant for Pakistan’s goal: building a natural defense system through afforestation.
The Role of Forests in Climate Adaptation
Forests are nature’s best defense against floods, droughts, and heatwaves. According to Pakistan’s National Forest Policy, the country loses 27,000 hectares of forest annually, mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan. Overgrazing, firewood usage, and unchecked urbanization exacerbate the crisis.
“Massive plantations are the most sustainable solution,” said Niaz Ali Khan, former Conservator of Forests. “Trees improve biodiversity, hold soil together, and regulate water. We must unite behind Plant for Pakistan.”
Government Efforts and Green Milestones
KP’s Green Growth Initiative launched the revolutionary Billion Tree Afforestation Project (BTAP), reforesting over 300,000 hectares. “We planted 1.2 billion trees in the first phase,” confirmed Niaz Ali Khan. “This success attracted international praise from COP-21, the Bonn Challenge, and the World Economic Forum.”
Building on that success, the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme (10BTAP) was initiated in 2018. KP’s target: another 1 billion trees. Under 10BTAP, the province is preparing for an intense monsoon plantation campaign.
Monsoon Plantation Drive: KP Leads the Way
From August 1–7, KP will observe ‘Plant for Pakistan Week’ under the theme:
“Trees bring greenery, and greenery brings happiness.”
According to Ibrahim Khan, Deputy Director of 10BTAP, KP will plant over 700,000 saplings during the monsoon. He added:
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Malakand region: 367,000 saplings
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Northern forests: 475,000
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Central south: 149,000
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Fruit-bearing trees: 184,000 distributed for free
“Plant for Pakistan is not just about trees,” Ibrahim noted. “It’s about protecting people, preserving land, and creating economic value.”
In places like Nathiagali, Kalam, Kumrat, and Malam Jabba, tourists will also be invited to plant trees, merging eco-tourism with reforestation efforts.
A Call to Action – Every Tree Counts
Faraz Khan, a 25-year-old student, recently planted a Shisham tree in Peshawar. “This is my contribution to the climate fight,” he said proudly. Such personal acts, multiplied nationwide, fuel Plant for Pakistan’s success.
“If every person in KP plants and nurtures just two saplings,” said Ibrahim, “we could grow over 480 million trees. That would transform our environment and combat the extreme weather we face every year.”
Conclusion: Growing Hope, One Sapling at a Time
From Abdul Qadar’s nursery to the scenic hills of Chitral, every sapling planted is a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change. Plant for Pakistan isn’t just about greening landscapes — it’s about reshaping futures, protecting lives, and investing in the next generation.
As the monsoon brings rain, let it also bring renewal. Let this season be remembered not for floods — but for forests. Because in the war for a livable planet, every tree planted is a step toward survival.
