ISLAMABAD, May 12 (Alliance News): A major national initiative has been launched to plant fruit-bearing trees and carry out extensive afforestation along Pakistan’s motorways and highways, as part of a 25-year plan aimed at creating a greener and eco-friendly environment.
The ambitious plan, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications and Ministry of Climate Change, will involve leasing land to the private sector for large-scale plantation efforts. Immediate measures are being taken to make the proposal actionable, with a focus on sustainability and agricultural viability.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, while chairing a high-level meeting alongside Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik, said that greening Pakistan’s road infrastructure is both a moral and religious responsibility. He emphasized the importance of integrated planning for tree plantations not only along the Motorways from Karachi to Quetta but also on National Highways across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir.
The meeting resolved that agricultural experts and local farmers must actively contribute to this national green drive. Dr. Musadik Malik directed the preparation of concrete proposals within the next three days, agreeing to implement the initiative in coordination with the Ministry of Communications.
Minister Khan assured full support from his ministry, including land identification, data sharing, and logistics. He stressed that planting fruit trees aligned with the agricultural suitability of each region would not only enhance environmental quality but also improve the overall travel experience on Pakistan’s roadways.
Senior officials including the Chairman of the National Highway Authority and the Inspector General of Motorway Police attended the session and contributed technical input to the plan.
