Islamabad : Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Wajiha Qamar, on visited ten government schools located in the remote Union Council Pind
Begwal of Islamabad Capital Territory to launch the tree plantation campaign titled “Aik
Beti Aik Shajar.” The initiative is part of the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to promote environmental sustainability and public participation in combating climate change.
As part of the drive, saplings were planted in various schools, including Islamabad Model Colleges and Islamabad Model Schools for boys and girls across Pind Begwal, Dana, Athal,
Sohali, Jandala, Bain Nala, Palali, and Meera Begwal. The campaign, according to the Minister of State, aims not only to raise environmental awareness but also to engage students, teachers, and local communities in a movement for a greener and cleaner Pakistan.
Wajiha Qamar said the plantation campaign carries a special symbolic value:
“One tree for every daughter, one tree for every mother, and one tree for every martyr. This message is close to the hearts of Pakistanis, and it is our goal to take this campaign to every corner of Islamabad and eventually across the country. That is why we deliberately started this initiative from a distant and underprivileged area.”
Highlighting the challenges of climate change, the Minister of State underlined that Pakistan is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, and tree plantation is one of the most effective ways to protect communities from rising temperatures, floods, and other environmental risks.
She further said:
“Planting trees is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a national responsibility. Every citizen should contribute by planting at least one sapling. This will not only help mitigate the harmful effects of climate change but also ensure a healthier and safer environment for our children.”
The Minister of State praised the role of schools and students in leading community change, stating that involving young people in such initiatives would nurture a sense of ownership, responsibility, and climate consciousness from an early age.
The plantation drive is being expanded under the Ministry of Federal Education and
Professional Training’s “Education for Sustainable Development” approach, which integrates environmental stewardship with education. Future phases will see the campaign reaching schools across Islamabad and later other parts of Pakistan.
The event concluded with active participation from school children, teachers, and local community representatives, who pledged their support to the cause and committed to nurturing the planted trees.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
