- By Amjid Khan
- amjad.unv@gmail.com
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has launched an ambitious urban afforestation campaign in Peshawar, aiming to address the city’s growing environmental challenges. This initiative is part of the broader “Green Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” vision, which seeks to combat climate change, improve air quality, and enhance urban livability. The campaign also aligns with the province’s ongoing projects, including the “Billion Tree Plus” initiative and the recently announced “Spring 2025 Tree Plantation Campaign,” which targets planting 2.6 million trees across the region.
Peshawar, once known for its lush greenery and historical significance, now faces severe environmental degradation due to rapid urbanization, poor waste management, and alarming levels of air pollution. Experts have highlighted that the transport sector contributes 58% of the city’s air pollution, with outdated vehicles and smoke-emitting rickshaws being major culprits. Roadside dust and insufficient rainfall worsen the problem, leading to dangerously high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air.
The afforestation drive focuses on planting both regular and fruit-bearing trees in urban spaces such as roadsides, parks, and intersections. Innovative techniques like Miyawaki forests are being employed to maximize green cover in densely populated areas. These efforts aim to reduce air pollution, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and provide much-needed recreational spaces for residents. The campaign also emphasizes community involvement, encouraging schools, local organizations, and citizens to participate in tree-planting activities.
Environmental experts have praised this initiative but stress that afforestation alone cannot solve Peshawar’s environmental woes. Prof. Dr. Hisbullah, an environmental scientist, notes that while tree planting is a crucial step, it must be complemented by stricter regulations on vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants. “Peshawar’s air quality crisis is complex,” he explains. “We need a comprehensive approach that includes transitioning to electric vehicles, modernizing public transport, and enforcing emission standards for industries”.
The provincial government has already taken steps in this direction by finalizing an action plan to improve air quality in Peshawar and its neighboring districts. This plan includes introducing an electric vehicle policy, digitizing vehicle fitness certificates, and installing emission monitoring systems at key entry and exit points of the city. Brick kilns are being shifted to zigzag technology to reduce their environmental impact.
Waste management is another critical issue plaguing Peshawar. Overflowing garbage dumps and open waste burning contribute significantly to air and water pollution. Experts suggest investing in waste-to-energy plants and community-driven recycling programs as long-term solutions. Such initiatives could not only alleviate environmental problems but also create economic opportunities for local communities.
The afforestation campaign also ties into Peshawar’s potential as a hub for eco-tourism. Utilizing its cultural heritage and natural assets, the city could attract domestic and international tourists while promoting sustainable practices. But achieving this vision requires balancing environmental sustainability with urban development a challenge that demands innovative approaches and strong political will.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. The lack of public awareness about environmental issues is a significant barrier to progress. The government plans to launch educational campaigns to inform citizens about the benefits of afforestation and the importance of reducing pollution. Schools are being encouraged to integrate environmental education into their curricula to foster a culture of sustainability among younger generations.
Experts warn that time is of the essence. Peshawar’s environmental challenges are not just local but part of a broader crisis affecting Pakistan as a whole. Rising temperatures, water scarcity, and deforestation are national issues that require coordinated action at all levels of government. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has also emphasized the need for sustainable development policies that address these pressing concerns while promoting economic growth.
The success of this initiative will depend on continuous monitoring and adaptation. Regular assessments will be conducted to evaluate the impact of the afforestation campaign and identify areas for improvement. This proactive approach will help in adjusting strategies as needed and ensuring that the benefits of afforestation are maximized. In the broader context, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s afforestation efforts contribute to Pakistan’s national goals for environmental protection and sustainable development. The country faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Initiatives like the “Billion Tree Plus” project and urban afforestation campaigns demonstrate a commitment to addressing these issues through proactive and inclusive strategies.
The initiative highlights the importance of community engagement in environmental conservation. By involving local residents in tree-planting activities, the campaign fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the community. This not only ensures the long-term maintenance of planted trees but also helps in spreading awareness about environmental issues.
Peshawar’s historical significance and cultural richness make it an ideal location for promoting eco-tourism. The city is home to numerous historical sites, including the Bala Hissar Fort and the Peshawar Museum, which attract tourists from across the globe. By integrating environmental conservation with tourism, Peshawar can become a model for sustainable urban development in Pakistan. Achieving this vision requires addressing the city’s infrastructure challenges. Peshawar’s roads and public transport systems need modernization to reduce congestion and pollution. The government plans to invest in green infrastructure, including parks and green corridors, to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability.
In addition to these physical improvements, the campaign aims to promote a culture of sustainability among residents. Educational programs will be conducted to raise awareness about the importance of trees in combating climate change and improving air quality. This educational component is crucial for ensuring that the benefits of afforestation are understood and appreciated by the community.
The economic benefits of afforestation should not be overlooked. Fruit-bearing trees planted in urban areas can provide a source of income for local communities. Eco-tourism can generate revenue and create jobs in the service sector, contributing to the local economy.
The initiative also underscores the importance of political will in driving environmental change. The Chief Minister’s leadership in launching this campaign demonstrates a commitment to addressing environmental challenges head-on. This political support is crucial for ensuring that environmental policies are implemented effectively and that resources are allocated appropriately.
As the campaign progresses, it is expected to have a positive impact on the environment, economy, and social fabric of the province. The integration of afforestation into urban planning will ensure that future development projects prioritize environmental sustainability. This initiative also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies, local communities, and international partners in achieving environmental goals.
The success of this initiative will serve as a model for other cities in Pakistan facing similar environmental challenges. By demonstrating the effectiveness of urban afforestation in improving air quality and enhancing urban livability, Peshawar can inspire other urban centers to adopt similar strategies.
In the long term, the campaign aims to transform Peshawar into a model city for sustainable urban development. This vision requires sustained commitment and continuous innovation, but the potential benefits are substantial. By addressing environmental challenges proactively, Peshawar can not only improve the quality of life for its residents but also contribute to Pakistan’s broader goals for sustainable development and environmental protection. The initiative also emphasizes the role of technology in environmental conservation. Modern techniques such as drone-based monitoring and digital mapping will be used to track the progress of afforestation efforts and identify areas needing improvement. This integration of technology with traditional practices ensures that the campaign remains efficient and effective.
The campaign highlights the importance of interdepartmental collaboration. Various government departments, including the Forest Department, Local Government, and Environment Department, are working together to ensure the success of the initiative. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of environmental conservation are addressed comprehensively.
In addition to government efforts, the private sector is also being encouraged to participate in the afforestation campaign. Companies are being incentivized to adopt green practices and contribute to tree planting activities as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives. This partnership between the public and private sectors can amplify the impact of the campaign and ensure its sustainability.
The success of this initiative will also depend on the involvement of local communities. By engaging residents in tree-planting activities and educating them about the benefits of afforestation, the campaign aims to foster a sense of community ownership. This approach not only ensures the long-term maintenance of planted trees but also helps in spreading awareness about environmental issues.
The initiative aims to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region. By promoting eco-tourism and supporting local industries related to environmental conservation, the campaign can contribute to the economic development of Peshawar. This economic aspect is crucial for sustaining the initiative over time and ensuring that environmental conservation aligns with economic growth.
In the broader context, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s afforestation efforts are part of a global movement toward sustainable development. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable urban planning. By aligning its initiatives with these global goals, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is contributing to international efforts to address environmental challenges while promoting economic growth and social equity.
The initiative also underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity. By planting a variety of tree species, the campaign aims to enhance local biodiversity and protect wildlife habitats. This aspect is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring that environmental conservation efforts are holistic and sustainable.