Islamabad
Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has launched a monsoon tree plantation drive titled “Plant Trees, Beautify Pakistan” to address the challenges of climate change, environmental pollution and rising temperatures while making the university campus greener, healthier and more environmentally friendly.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood inaugurated the campaign by planting a Chorisia tree at the central park in front of the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) building. Deans of various faculties, Registrar, Principal Officers and officials of the Horticulture Section were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. 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 emphasized that tree plantation must be adopted as a collective national responsibility to address the growing impacts of climate change and environmental pollution.
The Vice Chancellor said that “Plant Trees, Beautify Pakistan” is not merely a slogan but a practical movement aimed at developing a sense of environmental responsibility among individuals and promoting collective efforts to make Pakistan greener. He added that trees play a vital role in reducing air pollution, maintaining ecological balance, lowering temperatures and providing a healthier environment for future generations.
Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood directed the Horticulture Section to expedite arrangements for establishing an “Artificial Forest” on the university campus. He said the initiative would not only make the campus more environmentally friendly but would also promote an effective and sustainable model of tree plantation.
During a briefing, Wajeeh-ul-Hassan, Horticulture Officer, Department of Agricultural Sciences said that 70 flowering plants were being planted at various locations across the university during the first phase of the campaign. He added that a total target of 200 plants had been set for the monsoon plantation drive.
On the occasion, Prof. 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 through the university’s own resources would make the plantation process more sustainable and demonstrate the effective utilization of available resources.
Later, the university’s Deans, Registrar and other principal officers also planted trees. They expressed their resolve to further expand tree plantation, landscaping and environmental protection initiatives across the university campus.
The campaign aims not only to enhance the beauty and greenery of the AIOU campus but also to promote awareness among students, faculty members and employees about environmental responsibility, tree plantation and the importance of a sustainable environment.
