ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a plantation campaign organised by the Rising Pakistan Forum at the Women Welfare and Development Centre highlighted the environmental damage caused by deforestation and called for practical steps to address climate change.
The event was attended by noted Pakistani geologist and scientist Dr Adeel Nazir, Dr Abeer of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, former Pakistan Agricultural Council chairman Dr Ghulam Ali, Mukammal Pakistan Party Chairman Mateen Hashmi, Rising Pakistan Forum President Rakhshanda Tasneem and Women Welfare and Development Centre Principal Ms Ismat Afridi.
Dr Adeel Nazir briefed students on the causes of pollution and ways to control it. He said geographical features were being affected by climate change, while the monsoon rainfall system had undergone alarming changes. He stressed that the situation could be confronted through plantation and the growth of forests.
Dr Abeer from the Pakistan Meteorological Department underlined the need for practical measures to deal with the intensifying impact of climate change caused by deforestation. She said the younger generation could play an effective supporting role in this effort.
Former Pakistan Agricultural Council chairman Dr Ghulam Ali emphasised the importance of planting more fruit-bearing trees and food crops under the Green and Clean Pakistan vision so that the impact of climate change on food security could also be addressed.
Mukammal Pakistan Party Chairman Mateen Hashmi said that, along with forests, it was necessary to ensure the establishment of environment-friendly industries that could help prevent the release of toxic substances.
Rising Pakistan Forum President Rakhshanda Tasneem said today’s youth were the Pakistan of tomorrow. She told students that if they learnt to keep their homes and surroundings clean, the country would naturally move in the right direction. She also encouraged them to plant trees and pay attention to their protection and care.
Women Welfare and Development Centre Principal Ms Ismat Afridi thanked all participants and guests for attending the event and also briefed them on the centre’s objectives and performance.
Plants were distributed among students by the Rising Pakistan Forum, while the guests also planted saplings at the end of the ceremony.
