Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday formally launched the spring tree plantation campaign, setting a target of planting more than 20 million saplings across the province during the ongoing drive.

The chief minister inaugurated the campaign by planting a sapling on the lawn of the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar.

Speaking on the occasion, Afridi said that the promotion and protection of forests remain among the top priorities of the PTI government.

He said effective measures were being taken to improve the environment and expand forest cover in the province.

“Due to our consistent and effective policy measures, the forest area in the province has increased,” he said, adding that the current plantation campaign would prove to be a significant milestone towards environmental stability.

The chief minister emphasised that expanding forest cover is essential to address growing environmental challenges.

“Tree plantation must become a permanent national habit rather than a temporary campaign,” he remarked.

The chief minister also stressed that no government initiative can achieve desired results without public participation and cooperation, urging all segments of society to actively take part in the plantation drive.

During a briefing, officials informed the chief minister that 18.3 million saplings will be planted under the Upscaling Green Pakistan initiative, while 2.48 million saplings will be planted under the Billion Tree Afforestation Support Programme.

Officials further stated that a mega plantation event will be held on March 23, with a target of planting more than one million saplings in a single day.

Youth, students and the general public will be encouraged to participate actively in the event.