Punjab govt vows to double forest area in 5 years
For this purpose, fundamental reforms will be introduced in the Forest Act of 1927 to align it with present-day environmental requirements, transforming the Forest Department from a regulatory body into a leader in environmental solutions and smart land use.
It was resolved at the Forest Operational Conference 2025 organized by the forest department on Saturday. The conference produced comprehensive recommendations for forest conservation, policy framework improvement, legislation, and sustainable environmental solutions.
According to the spokesperson for the Forest Department, the conference also resolved to continue the largest tree plantation drive in Punjab's history for 2025–26. A target of 20 million saplings for the current monsoon season and 31 million saplings for the 2026 monsoon season has been set.
The conference deliberated in detail on the pressing challenges of climate change, rapid population growth, and increasing land-use pressures. It saw active participation from IUCN, FAO, WWF Pakistan, as well as national and international experts, who presented their recommendations. These included concrete proposals for forest protection, policy framework enhancement, and legislative measures aimed at ensuring a safe and green environment for future generations.
At the conclusion of the conference, participants reaffirmed their commitment that, under the leadership and vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab Forest Department will continue to take all possible measures to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development goals.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Lahore dons green and white for 78th dawn of freedom
Minar-e-Pakistan is bathed in the colours of the national flag as part of the preparations for the 78th Independence Day. Photo: NNI As the 78th Independence Day draws near, Lahore is wrapped in a festive embrace of green and white. Streets hum with activity, stalls brim with patriotic trinkets, and preparations for official ceremonies are in full swing. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has called for wholehearted public participation, singling out youth and children as the torchbearers of what she described as an ongoing "struggle for truth" to protect the nation's freedom. The provincial government's campaign, "From the Acquisition of Independence to the Protection of Independence", has brought a flurry of programmes to Punjab's districts, infusing the build-up with a sense of continuity between past and present. In the heart of the city, Liberty Chowk will pulse with music on Wednesday night (tonight), where the chief minister will join as guest of honour. The concert will be crowned with fireworks, lighting up the summer sky in a cascade of colours. Tomorrow, the centrepiece flag-hoisting ceremony will unfold at Hazuri Bagh under Maryam's watch, followed by a burst of pyrotechnics at Minar-e-Pakistan. The Environment Department, adding its own flair, has organised a "Battle of Truth" bike rally, with safety and traffic arrangements carefully mapped out. From Anarkali to Gulberg, shopfronts, markets, and government buildings shimmer in green fairy lights and fluttering flags. Homes mirror the same pride, their balconies draped in bunting, lights their entrances glowing with electric. Public spaces such as Jilani Park and Minar-e-Pakistan stand ready, polished for the official crowds they will soon welcome. Vendors speak of brisk business. Flag sellers barely keep pace with demand, while badge and sticker stalls attract children who haggle over prices before proudly tucking their purchases into schoolbags. Shopkeepers note that families linger, soaking in the celebratory spirit as they pick up items to adorn their cars, bicycles, and rooftops. Booksellers, too, have joined in, their windows filled with Independence Day-themed books and merchandise that find quick buyers. Retailers have woven patriotism into commerce. "Azadi" sales flash from banners in malls and on websites, offering deep discounts on summer apparel, footwear, gadgets, and accessories. Fashion outlets clear seasonal shelves with markdowns, while eateries and online platforms package the holiday spirit into special offers — a trend that has steadily grown alongside August 14 celebrations. Behind the scenes, coordination has been as meticulous as the public displays are exuberant. At a key meeting chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Lahore, representatives from the Model Town and City Assistant Commissioners, police, PHA, and other departments finalised plans. The ADCG reminded all that Independence Day is the nation's most significant historical marker, urging departments to work seamlessly so that celebrations honour the sacrifices of the country's founders. With the city poised for music, rallies, fireworks, and unbridled public cheer, Lahore is ready to turn August 14 into more than a date on the calendar — a day that blends pride, gratitude, and festivity into a shared moment of national reflection.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
CM Maryam vows to safeguard rights of minorities
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that Quaid-e-Azam's Pakistan is the homeland of all & sundry and everyone is safe and free in it with their faith. She highlighted, 'We pay tribute to all our minority brothers and sisters who always remain active for the development and prosperity of their beloved homeland.' In her message on the National Minorities Day, the CM said that minorities are the symbol of pride of a Pakistani society. She maintained, 'There will be no compromise on the honour, dignity, protection and progress of minorities. The Punjab government is strictly adhering to its policy of granting minorities complete rights for their education, development and welfare.' She noted, 'For the first time in the history, Punjab has achieved the distinction and honour of introducing 'Minority Card' for the welfare of the minority community. Upto 50,000 minority brothers and sisters are being given Rs. 10,500 quarterly through minority cards. The number of minority cards will be increased to 75,000.' She affirmed, 'Punjab attained the honour of passing the first Sikh Marriage Act 2024, now 'Anand Karj' has been given legal status. The pending Hindu Marriage Act 2017 has been approved in 2025. The Punjab government is taking numerous steps so as to make it possible for the minority community residing in Punjab to have easy access to education, health and employment.' The CM revealed, 'In the current financial year, Rs 8 billion have been allocated for the development and non-development budget of the minority community. Grants for religious festivals of the minority community have been enhanced from Rs 60 million to Rs 366 million. A substantial amount has been allocated in the current budget for the restoration of 40 historical gurdwaras, 25 churches and five temples.' She added, 'The Samadhi Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Lahore, the Shri Krishna Temple in Rawalpindi and the Church of Pakistan are being rehabilitated and restored. Scholarship funds worth Rs 60 million were allocated for the minority students.' The CM outlined, 'Live courses have been launched in Youhanabad, in the first phase out of which 1,000 students will benefit, and in the second phase 10,000 students will benefit from it. Baisakhi, Holi, Diwali, Christmas and Easter were celebrated in Punjab for the first time at the official level. The minority quota system is being implemented in letter & spirit in the province.' She vowed, 'The Punjab government is the guardian of the rights of minorities and is fully committed to grant them their rightful share in every field of development and progress. We are moving towards a society where love, tolerance and brotherhood will be our hallmark and sole identity. Minorities are the beautiful colour of Pakistan and we will never let this colour fade away.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
CM takes notice of murder of young maid
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken strict notice of an alleged torture and murder of a 13-year-old maid in Gujranwala. She has sought a report about the incident from RPO Gujranwala in this regard. She has extended her heartfelt sympathies and condolence to the bereaved family. The CM asserted, 'The accused involved in the heinous incident should be arrested immediately and stern action should be taken against them according to law. Those who committed such a dreadful act to the innocent girl do not deserve any leniency under any circumstance. Justice will be provided to the heirs at all costs.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
