ISLAMABAD, August 11, 2026: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has launched a monsoon plantation campaign titled “Plant Trees, Beautify Pakistan”, with a target of planting 200 trees and flowering plants across its Islamabad campus.
The initiative is aimed at making the university greener and more environmentally sustainable while raising awareness about climate change, air pollution and rising temperatures.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood formally inaugurated the drive by planting a Chorisia tree in the central park near the Quality Enhancement Cell building. Deans, the registrar, principal officers and officials from the university’s horticulture section also participated.
AIOU Plans Artificial Forest on Campus
Speaking at the launch, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood said tree plantation should be treated as a long-term environmental responsibility rather than a symbolic activity.
He said trees can help reduce air pollution, lower temperatures, support ecological balance and improve environmental conditions for future generations.
The vice chancellor also directed the Horticulture Section to accelerate work on plans for an “Artificial Forest” on the AIOU campus.
According to the university, the proposed project is intended to provide a more sustainable model for plantation and strengthen the campus’s environmental profile.
70 Plants Being Added in First Phase
Horticulture Officer Wajeeh-ul-Hassan said 70 flowering plants were being planted at different locations during the first phase of the monsoon campaign.
He added that the overall target for the drive had been set at 200 plants.
Prof. Dr. Irshad Ahmed Arshad said around 70% of the plants being used in the campaign had been prepared from plants already available at the university.
He said using in-house resources would help make the plantation programme more sustainable and reduce dependence on external supplies.
Later, deans, the registrar and other senior university officials also planted trees and pledged to expand plantation, landscaping and environmental protection activities across the campus.
AIOU said the campaign is also intended to encourage students, faculty and employees to take greater responsibility for environmental protection and sustainable practices.
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