Rs 300bn worth trees chopped off from 2008-13 in KP: Murad

ISLAMABAD: Minister of Communications Murad Saeed has said prior to Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rs 300 billion worth trees were chopped off from 2008-13 in the province which resulted into massive climate change impacts.

Addressing a seminar while inaugurating Clean and Green Pakistan Plantation drive at Construction Technology Training Institute (CTTI) here said the blatant deforestation in KPK resulted into floods, rise in temperature and environment degradation in the region. “We do not have to safe our forests rather contribute our share in plantation across the country,” he added.

He underscored that Ministry of Communications will plant saplings across its 12,000 kilometers roads which will turn the barren roads into green shaded thoroughfares. The plantation would be conducted in collaboration with KPK and Sindh governments, he added.

He emphasized, that People must put their share in Chief Justice Supreme Court of Pakistan Diamer-Bhasha Dam Fund and Clean and Green Pakistan Plantation campaign as these initiatives are for national cause and have religious significance because to plant a tree and feed a thirsty with a glass of water have a greater reward in the realm of God.

He said Pakistan was once among the countries having abundant water resources and forests but unfortunately at present the country has left only a limited amount of the natural resources.
The developed nations, he said are due to their resolve and commitment towards their motherland as they own every single inch of their country.

“Pakistan has the best armed forces, human resource and talented youth but it is still in crisis. The reason is that we work individually for ourselves other than collectively for the country. It is hard time no doubt and the country will come out of turmoil. We will have to prefer national interest over our personal concerns then the country will prosper,” he added.