LAHORE: Different educational institutions on Friday organised tree planting campaigns in different areas of Punjab.

Punjab Minister for Higher and School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat visited the University of Management and Technology (UMT) and participated in the drive by planting saplings.

The event was also attended by UMT Rector Asif Raza, Director General Ahmad Abdullah, faculty members and a large number of students.

The minister emphasised the urgent need for large-scale forestation to combat smog and saidthat proactive planning is essential to address smog-related challenges effectively.

He stated that a total of 500,000 trees have been planted in universities and colleges across Punjab, with extensive efforts also carried out in schools.

The minister instructed the concerned department to map the planted trees to ensure proper tracking and care.

He said that 5,000 trees were planted at UMT on Friday, with a total of 25,000 trees to be planted within the next three days.

Mr Hayat praised UMT’s “One Student, One Plant” campaign, calling it an effective step toward environmental sustainability.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to making Pakistan a carbon credit-earning nation through increased forestation.

UVAS: The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore Vice-ChancellorProf Dr Muhammad Younus planted a sapling in front of his office and outside the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science to promote greenery in the university.

He said a campaign to improve the environment was ongoing and a large number of saplings would be planted on all campuses of UVAS to promote greenery.

BZU: Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) Multan celebrated International Day of Forests to increase awareness about the importance of forests and the challenges they face at both global and national levels.

BZU Department of Forestry organised an awareness rally under the theme “Forests and Food”.

Department of Forestry Chairman Prof Ehsan Qadir said that 25 percent of the country’s land should be covered by forests for a healthy environment and sustainable economy, whereas in Pakistan, only 4.5pc of the area is forested.

He emphasised that the goal of this campaign is not only to increase the number of trees but also to contribute to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions by 55pc by 2030.

Later, the students and faculty members also planted saplings on the campus.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2025