ISLAMABAD, Jun 15 (ABC):Pakistan has planted, regenerated, or distributed nearly 2.3 billion saplings under the Green Pakistan Programme, according to official data, as the country continues efforts to address climate change, land degradation, and environmental sustainability. The large-scale initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase forest cover and strengthen resilience to climate-related challenges.
The programme’s progress comes as Pakistan faces growing environmental pressures, including rising temperatures, water stress, extreme weather events, and the long-term impacts of deforestation.
What is the Green Pakistan Programme?
The Green Pakistan Programme is a national afforestation and ecosystem restoration initiative aimed at increasing tree cover across the country.
The programme supports tree plantation campaigns, natural forest regeneration, and the distribution of saplings through coordination between federal, provincial, and territorial authorities. Its objectives include restoring degraded land, improving biodiversity, reducing soil erosion, and enhancing environmental sustainability.
What has been achieved so far?
According to official figures, a cumulative total of 2,283.3 million plants had been planted, regenerated, or distributed nationwide by March 2026.
The programme achieved 69.3% of its overall target and increased tree cover across nearly 0.7 million hectares of land.
During the first nine months of FY2025-26, provinces and territories reported planting, regenerating, or distributing 30.5 million plants.
How did provinces perform?
Official data shows varying levels of progress against plantation targets across different regions.
Sindh recorded 86% of its plantation target, followed by Punjab at 79% and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 73%.
Performance reached 62% in Gilgit-Baltistan, 34% in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and 28% in Balochistan.
These figures reflect differences in local environmental conditions, available resources, and implementation capacity.
Why does increasing tree cover matter?
Trees play an important role in maintaining ecosystem health and supporting environmental resilience.
Expanded forest cover can help reduce soil erosion, improve water retention, support biodiversity, and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. These functions are increasingly important as countries seek to adapt to climate change and manage environmental risks.
Afforestation and ecosystem restoration are also considered important tools for reducing the impact of land degradation and protecting natural habitats.
What challenges does Pakistan face?
Pakistan’s total forest area is estimated at approximately 4.1 million hectares, representing about 4.7% of the country’s total land area.
At the same time, annual deforestation is estimated at around 11,000 hectares, indicating continued pressure on forest resources from land-use changes, population growth, and environmental degradation.
The gap between forest cover and environmental needs has made reforestation and conservation programmes an important part of national environmental policy.
How does the programme fit into climate policy?
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination has implemented plantation activities in partnership with provincial and territorial governments.
According to the report, climate adaptation and environmental protection have become increasingly significant policy priorities following major climate-related events in recent years, including the devastating floods of 2022.
Pakistan has also incorporated forestry, ecosystem restoration, and environmental conservation into its broader climate commitments and sustainable development objectives.
What happens next?
The continued expansion of tree plantation and ecosystem restoration efforts is expected to remain part of Pakistan’s environmental management strategy.
Future progress will depend on maintaining plantation activities, protecting existing forests, improving land restoration efforts, and monitoring the long-term survival and growth of planted trees.
The programme’s ongoing implementation will be one of several factors shaping Pakistan’s efforts to improve environmental sustainability and strengthen resilience to climate-related risks.
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