Karachi: President Asif Ali Zardari participated in the annual Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign by planting a Neem tree sapling at Bilawal House on Sunday. This initiative is part of a broader effort to increase national forest coverage and combat the impacts of climate change, particularly on August 18, which is observed as National Tree Plantation Day in Pakistan.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari emphasized the vulnerability of Pakistan to climate change and global warming, calling for increased involvement from youth and civil society to expand forest cover. The President highlighted the environmental benefits of Neem trees, noting their ability to provide clean air, shade, and natural mosquito repellent. Recalling his tenure as Minister for Climate during Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed’s first prime ministership, he mentioned the start of a tree plantation campaign that focused on planting Neem trees nationwide.

President Zardari urged all citizens to engage in the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign, stressing the importance of tree planting in neighborhoods for environmental enhancement and health. He also pointed out ongoing successful mangrove restoration efforts, particularly in Sindh, which aim to further increase the country’s mangrove cover as part of Pakistan’s commitment to environmental conservation.