**Islamabad Launches One Million Tree Plantation Drive to Combat Climate Change**
In a major initiative to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability, the National Press Club (NPC) and Capital Development Authority (CDA) have jointly launched a “Green Islamabad” campaign aiming to plant one million trees across the capital. The tree plantation drive, formally inaugurated by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa with a ceremonial planting at the NPC lawns, marks a collaborative step to protect Islamabad—renowned as the world’s second most beautiful capital—from the destructive effects of global warming.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the campaign was signed between NPC President Azhar Jatoi and CDA Director General Environment Owais Manzoor Tarar. According to the agreement, the ambitious goal of planting one million trees will be achieved over the next three years. The launch event saw the presence of senior journalists, NPC office bearers, CDA officials, and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt, among many others.
Addressing participants, CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa emphasized that the Authority is working closely with the media and civil society to achieve the plantation target. He reiterated their commitment to fulfilling Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of a ‘Clean and Green Islamabad’, highlighting that the tree plantation project is a key element of this broader agenda.
Randhawa also outlined ongoing environmental and transportation initiatives in the capital, noting the introduction of 160 electric buses city-wide as part of efforts to reduce pollution. He revealed that these buses will soon be integrated with online tracking systems, making real-time location information easily accessible for commuters. Bus stops are also being upgraded for better aesthetics and passenger amenities, and advertising revenue generated from the buses will be used to lower fare costs for the public.
The CDA Chairman urged the NPC leadership to encourage every visitor to the Press Club to plant a tree, thereby fostering wider community participation in environmental preservation efforts. He also assured that comprehensive route and operational information for the electric bus service would soon be available on Google Maps to further facilitate users.
Speaking at the event, PFUJ President Afzal Butt expressed gratitude for the swift commencement of the bus service from Media Town following a meeting with the CDA Chairman, underscoring the CDA’s responsiveness to community needs. He highlighted the crucial role journalists and the Press Club will play in leading the green drive and promoting environmental awareness.
The event included an open discussion where journalists shared suggestions regarding the electric bus service’s routes and stops, particularly advocating for its extension to Media Town—an initiative recently implemented by the CDA following persistent requests from local residents and the media community.
Concluding the ceremony, Chairman Randhawa reaffirmed the CDA’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with the National Press Club and other stakeholders to ensure that Islamabad remains clean, green, and a model modern city.
