KARACHI: Expressing grave concern over the lack of parks and gardens in Karachi, along with the cutting of mangroves in coastal areas, Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor has demanded that the government of Sindh and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) urgently increase the tree cover of the megacity.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Altaf Shakoor emphasized the need for Karachi to emulate Lahore’s efforts in tree plantation. He highlighted that the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) of Lahore is working towards planting over 25 million trees this year to boost the city’s low tree cover to 7 percent. Shakoor suggested that Karachi should aim to increase its tree cover by at least the same ratio.

Altaf Shakoor further explained the benefits of increased tree cover, stating that trees help cool the air by shading surfaces such as concrete and asphalt, which prevents heat storage and reduces the urban heat island effect. He pointed out that tree cover can lower land surface temperatures by 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (18 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit) on a summer day.

Shakoor also mentioned that trees produce oxygen, intercept airborne particulates, and reduce smog, thus enhancing a community’s respiratory health. The urban canopy contributes directly to meeting a city’s regulatory clean air requirements. He added that access to trees, green spaces, and parks promotes greater physical activity, reduces stress, and improves the quality of life in urban settings.

Despite the Sindh government’s plan for urban forestry in Karachi, Shakoor expressed disappointment over the lack of concrete efforts in this regard. He identified areas near the Malir and Lyari rivers as ideal for urban forestry and suggested developing mangrove forests along Karachi’s extensive coastline. Shakoor urged the government to plant trees in Karachi on an emergency basis to increase the city’s green canopy.