Education
Sports
KPK
KP Set for Record Plantation Drive on March 23: DG Junaid Khan
TP REPORT
PESHAWAR: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is set to commemorate Pakistan Day on March 23, 2026, through a unique and historic plantation campaign aimed at planting one million trees across the province in a single day . This remarkable initiative will not only highlight the national significance of Pakistan Day but will also serve as a powerful step toward environmental protection and the realization of a greener and more sustainable Pakistan.
Secretary, Climate Change, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Junaid Khan, stated that under the special vision of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa titled “Green Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the plantation drive will be launched simultaneously across the province. He emphasized that planting one million trees in a single day will be an unprecedented and historic achievement in Pakistan’s history, symbolizing not only environmental stewardship but also a renewed national commitment toward ecological responsibility.
He further remarked that Pakistan Day reminds the nation of the historic moment on March 23, 1940, when the Muslims of the subcontinent envisioned the creation of an independent and sovereign homeland through the adoption of the Pakistan Resolution. Reflecting the spirit of that historic day, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to transform this national occasion into a “Green Pledge” to safeguard the blessings of independence and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
The Secretary noted that climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges, and Pakistan is among the countries significantly affected by its impacts. In such circumstances, tree plantation plays a vital role in environmental conservation, improving air quality, restoring ecological balance, and promoting sustainable development. He expressed hope that this campaign will serve as a milestone in promoting environmental awareness across the country.
On this occasion, Muhammad Junaid Dayar, Project Director of the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Project and focal person for the March 23 record plantation drive, informed that the process of dispatching saplings from government forest nurseries to all districts of the province has already started. He stated that the plantation drive will formally commence at 9:00 AM on March 23 and will continue uninterrupted until the final sapling is planted.
He further explained that to ensure transparency and maintain a comprehensive record of this historic plantation activity, a specialized software application along with a central monitoring dashboard has been established at the control center. Through this system, details regarding the distribution of saplings, plantation sites, and the planting process will be shared with the central center via mobile phones, accompanied by live videos and photographs. In remote areas where internet connectivity is limited, the application also includes an offline data submission facility to ensure complete documentation.
He added that this record-setting plantation drive will witness active participation from government departments, educational institutions, district administrations, Motorway Police, Pakistan Railways, local communities, and the Pakistan Armed Forces, making it a truly collective national effort.
The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa believes that if every citizen takes responsibility for planting and protecting even a single tree, these saplings will grow into a strong foundation for a green, prosperous, and environmentally secure Pakistan in the years to come.
National
FPCCI President holds meeting with Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis
Shahzad Rasheed
Aun Ali Syed, Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), held an important meeting with Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, to discuss matters of mutual interest related to overseas employment, investment opportunities, and the facilitation of Pakistani workers abroad.
During the meeting, Aun Ali Syed emphasized the vital role played by Overseas Pakistanis in strengthening the national economy through remittances, international trade linkages, and investment inflows. He highlighted that the business community considers overseas Pakistanis as valuable economic ambassadors of Pakistan who significantly contribute to the country’s foreign exchange reserves and global economic integration.
Aun Ali Syed stressed the need for stronger coordination between the government and the private sector to create more employment opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers in international markets. He also proposed enhanced collaboration between FPCCI and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to facilitate workforce training, skill development, and the promotion of Pakistani manpower in emerging global sectors.
He further suggested that Overseas Pakistanis should be encouraged to invest in Pakistan’s key sectors, including industry, minerals, tourism, and information technology. With appropriate policy incentives and facilitation mechanisms, overseas Pakistanis can play a transformative role in boosting investment and economic growth in Pakistan.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, appreciated the proactive role of FPCCI and acknowledged the importance of the private sector in promoting employment and economic development. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving services, protection, and facilitation for overseas Pakistanis, as well as expanding opportunities for Pakistani workers in international markets.
The meeting was also attended by Zainab Hayat Khan, Umar Qureshi, and Abdul Rehman Qureshi, who participated in the discussions and shared valuable views regarding the promotion of overseas employment and strengthening the role of the business community in supporting overseas Pakistanis.
Both sides agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration between FPCCI and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis to address challenges faced by overseas workers and to explore new avenues for employment, investment, and economic cooperation. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to work together for the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and the promotion of Pakistan’s economic interests globally.
