AIOU launches “Plant Trees, Transform Pakistan” monsoon plantation campaign

ISLAMABAD, August 11: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has launched its monsoon plantation campaign titled “Plant Trees, Transform Pakistan” to address the challenges of climate change, environmental pollution and rising temperatures and to make the university campus greener.

Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood inaugurated the campaign by planting a Chorisia tree in the central park in front of the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) building. Deans, the Registrar, principal officers and officials of the Horticulture Department were also present on the occasion.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor said tree plantation was not merely an activity to beautify the environment but an investment in collective survival, a healthy society and a secure future.

He said plantation must be adopted as a collective national responsibility to address the impacts of climate change and environmental pollution.

Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood said “Plant Trees, Transform Pakistan” was not merely a slogan but a practical movement aimed at creating a sense of environmental responsibility 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 healthier environment for future generations.

The Vice Chancellor directed the Horticulture Department to expedite arrangements for establishing an “artificial forest” on the university campus to make the campus more environment-friendly and promote a sustainable model of 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 on the university campus during the first phase of the campaign. A total target of 200 plants has been set for the monsoon plantation drive.

Professor Dr. Irshad Ahmed Arshad said 70 percent of the plants being used in the campaign had been propagated from plants already available at the university. He said producing plants through the university’s own resources would make the plantation process more sustainable and reflected the efficient use of available resources.

Later, the university’s deans, Registrar and other principal officers also planted trees and expressed their commitment to further expanding plantation, landscaping and environmental protection initiatives on the campus.

The AIOU campaign aims not only to enhance the greenery and beauty of the campus but also to raise awareness among students, faculty and employees about environmental responsibility, tree plantation and the importance of a sustainable environment.