Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is intensifying its efforts to combat climate change by expanding its forest cover and implementing rigorous environmental policies. According to Shahid Zaman, Secretary for Forests, Environment, and Climate Change, 26.5% of the province’s land is now covered by forests, contributing to 45% of Pakistan’s total forest reserves. This significant achievement reflects the province’s commitment to addressing the environmental crisis through comprehensive reforestation initiatives like the Billion Tree Tsunami and Trillion Tree Tsunami projects, supported by a substantial allocation of 7.5 billion rupees.
Deforestation in KP has been strictly banned, with thorough monitoring to ensure adherence to these regulations. Zaman emphasized the importance of public cooperation in this effort, given that 92% of the forests in the province are community-owned. The remaining 8%, managed by the government, also sees stringent controls on forest use to prevent unnecessary deforestation.
Urban areas in Pakistan, particularly Lahore and Peshawar, face another pressing environmental issue: smog. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nafees from the University of Peshawar has highlighted the growing intensity of smog over the last decade. This hazardous mix of smoke and fog has severe health implications, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, exacerbated by local pollution and cross-border contributions from India. Agricultural residue burning in Indian Punjab significantly worsens Lahore’s air quality, leading to dangerous levels of pollution.
In response to the smog crisis, Pakistan is exploring the use of anti-smog towers, a technology already implemented in China and India. These towers have the potential to purify large volumes of air, though their high cost presents a financial challenge. Despite this, Pakistan is considering installing these towers in major cities as part of its strategy to manage air quality issues.
In 2024, Lahore experienced a series of emergency measures aimed at reducing smog, known as ‘green knockdowns.’ These included temporary factory closures, restrictions on diesel vehicles, school closures, and work-from-home policies to mitigate the immediate effects of air pollution.
The climate crisis in Pakistan is further exacerbated by rising temperatures. With 2024 recorded as the hottest year in human history, experts like Prof. Nafees warn of the increasing risks of heatwaves, water scarcity, and agricultural disruptions. He advocates for a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation, emphasizing the need for renewable energy adoption, sustainable agricultural practices, and heightened public awareness about environmental conservation.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s proactive stance on environmental protection through reforestation and stringent policies positions the province as a frontrunner in Pakistan’s battle against climate change. However, the success of these efforts depends on the collaborative involvement of the government, the private sector, and the public. As Pakistan navigates the ongoing and future impacts of climate change, these initiatives will be crucial in ensuring a sustainable and resilient future.
