Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood Inaugurates Monsoon Tree Plantation Drive by Planting a “Koreezia” Sapling
70 Flowering Plants to Be Planted in First Phase; Target Set to Plant 200 Saplings During the Campaign
Islamabad (Staff Reporter): Allama Iqbal Open University has launched a monsoon tree plantation campaign titled “Plant Trees, Beautify the Country” to address the challenges of climate change, environmental pollution, and rising temperatures and to make the university campus greener and more environmentally friendly.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood inaugurated the campaign by planting a Koreezia sapling in the central park in front of the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) building. University deans, the registrar, principal officers, and relevant officials of the Horticulture Department were also present on the occasion.
Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood said that planting trees is not merely an activity to beautify the environment but an investment in collective survival, a healthy society, and a secure future.
He said that plantation must be adopted as a collective national responsibility to address the effects of climate change and environmental pollution.
The Vice Chancellor said that “Plant Trees, Beautify the Country” is not merely a slogan but a practical movement aimed at creating a sense of environmental responsibility among individuals and promoting collective efforts to make Pakistan greener.
He said trees play an important role in reducing air pollution, maintaining ecological balance, lowering temperatures, and providing a better environment for future generations.
He directed the Horticulture Department to expedite arrangements for establishing an “artificial forest” on the university campus so that the campus could become more environmentally friendly while also promoting an effective and sustainable model of tree plantation.
Horticulture Officer of the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Wajeeh-ul-Hassan, briefed the participants that 70 flowering plants were being planted at different locations across the university during the first phase of the campaign. A total target of 200 saplings has been set for the monsoon plantation drive.
On the occasion, Professor Dr. Irshad Ahmed Arshad said that 70 percent of the plants being planted during the campaign had been prepared from plants already available at the university.
He said that producing plants using the university’s own resources would not only make the plantation process more sustainable but would also demonstrate the effective utilization of available resources.
Later, the university’s deans, registrar, and other principal officers also planted saplings. The participants expressed their resolve to further expand tree plantation, landscaping, and environmental protection initiatives at the university.
The campaign aims not only to enhance the beauty and greenery of the campus but also to promote awareness among students, teachers, and employees about environmental responsibility, tree plantation, and the importance of a sustainable environment.