In a landmark achievement for environmental conservation, the Punjab Forest Department has surpassed its monsoon plantation target for 2025, marking one of the most successful tree-planting drives in Pakistan’s history. Despite severe flooding in riverine and Bela forest areas regions traditionally responsible for the bulk of monsoon plantation the department not only met but exceeded expectations, showcasing resilience, innovation, and strong administrative coordination.
According to official data, Punjab achieved 102 percent of its plantation target, crossing the ambitious goal set for the monsoon campaign. The department had been tasked with planting 20.719 million saplings, but field teams pushed the number to 21.074 million, establishing what officials described as an unprecedented milestone in the province’s forestry history.
Overcoming Flooded Forests and Harsh Terrain
Spokesperson Majid Shamraiz explained that the achievement was particularly remarkable given the scale of flooding this year. Riverine and Bela forests remained waterlogged for weeks, making mobility difficult and plantation nearly impossible. Yet, teams continued their work—often wading through muddy terrain, crossing submerged areas, and planting saplings in patches of land that became accessible only intermittently.
Officials revealed that hundreds of thousands of saplings were planted in the Bela region alone, an effort that required extraordinary field coordination and physical endurance from the plantation teams. “The forest field force worked under dangerous and unpredictable conditions,” a departmental report noted, highlighting how staff navigated through strong currents, slippery forest beds, and swampy environments to keep the campaign on track.
Overall, the monsoon initiative covered 21,667 acres of forest land and completed 1,380 kilometers of linear plantation along highways, canals, and public spaces.
Government Vision Behind the Success
Much of this progress is attributed to the environmental roadmap laid out by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who has prioritized climate resilience, green expansion, and ecological restoration across Punjab. Her vision focuses on restoring vulnerable ecosystems, increasing forest cover, and engaging citizens in environmental stewardship.
Under the supervision of Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, the Forest Department adopted a strategy that integrated community involvement, volunteer participation, digital monitoring, and coordination with district administrations. As a result, the monsoon campaign evolved beyond a typical plantation drive transforming into a wide public-driven environmental movement.
Massive Provincial Green Programmes Underway
While celebrating the monsoon milestone, the provincial government is simultaneously rolling out several long-term afforestation and eco-protection initiatives. The comprehensive programme was formally inaugurated at Jallo Forest Park by Parliamentary Secretary for Forests Kanwal Liaqat, under the Friends of Forest initiative.
Under the Chief Minister’s Plant for Pakistan Initiative, more than 51 million saplings will be planted across 50,869 acres of land. The government is also utilizing forest wastelands areas previously lying unused under the CM Agroforestry Initiative, where an additional 1.37 million saplings are being planted on 3,790 acres.
These efforts are complemented by an expanded Green Pakistan Programme, targeting 466 million trees across 251,000 acres, marking one of the largest reforestation drives ever undertaken in the province.
Punjab’s irrigation channels are also receiving special attention. Plantation projects along canals span 10,223 avenue miles, where up to five million trees will line the banks, helping reduce erosion, enhance soil fertility, and improve the region’s microclimate.
Eco-Tourism and Modern Forestry Technology
Beyond growing forests, the provincial government is working to make green spaces more accessible and sustainable through eco-tourism. At Lal Suhanra National Park and the Salt Range, modern facilities including GPS systems, wireless networks, surveillance cameras, and digital monitoring tools are being introduced to improve visitor experience and enhance safety.
Construction is also underway on a LEED-certified eco-friendly multi-storey complex, designed to provide upgraded amenities for park management staff and visitors, aligning with international sustainability standards.
To safeguard forests in high-risk zones such as Murree and Kahuta, Punjab has launched the Shielding Summits Programme, which focuses on preventing fires and controlling soil erosion. The programme includes:
- Recruitment of 600 fire watchers
- Installation of watchtowers
- Deployment of fire vehicles
- Restoration of forest trails
- Construction of water tanks to preserve natural springs
Digital Transformation in Forest Protection
Forest DG Azfar Zia confirmed that Punjab is rapidly adopting advanced monitoring systems, including GIS-based surveillance, drones, LiDAR technology, and satellite imagery. These systems allow real-time detection of wildfires, illegal construction, and encroachment.
A dedicated digital communication cell has been established to oversee forest safety, while the monitoring and evaluation wing has been strengthened with additional staff and modern surveillance equipment.
Meanwhile, tree inventories across Punjab are being digitized. Using GIS-based surveys and digital numbering, the department can now track plantation growth, species distribution, and forest health more efficiently.
To accelerate field operations, new machinery for plantation and forestry maintenance has also been procured.
Punjab now has 104 operational forest command and control centers, providing round-the-clock monitoring and reinforcing the province’s ability to protect its green assets.
Expert Opinions and Future Challenges
Environmental expert Dr. Salman Tariq acknowledged the department’s success but cautioned that plantation during flooding carries risks. Saplings without solid roots can be easily washed away, reducing the survival rate. He noted that drives in heavily inundated areas will have to wait until water levels recede, which may impact future targets.
Still, the Forest Department remains confident. With all progress financed through Punjab’s own development budget without federal assistance the province now aims to plant 50 million saplings in the 2025–26 fiscal year, including 30 million in the spring campaign alone.
A Model for Pakistan’s Climate Future
Punjab’s successful monsoon plantation drive has elevated Pakistan’s standing on global climate platforms. As the country prepares for COP-30, Punjab intends to present its reforestation model as an example of effective, large-scale sub-national climate action.
With clear political commitment, technological advancement, and active community participation, the province is moving steadily toward a greener, more climate-resilient future.
