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HFH becomes state-of- the-art health facility : Dr Jamal

By
Ali Ali
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RAWALPINDI, Feb 20 (APP):Caretaker Provincial Minister for Primary and Secondary Health Care and Population Welfare Dr. Jamal Nasir Tuesday said that after revamping Holy Family Hospital(HFH) had become a state-of-the-art hospital compared to any health facility of the country.
He said this while during his visit to HFH here.
Dr Jamal said that hospital was developed on modern lines and would be fully functional soon.
He said that the residents of Rawalpindi and its adjacent area would get the best health care facilities at the hospital.
The minister inspected the Emergency, Medical, Gynecology, Peads and private wards in detail and said that Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi had set examples regarding completion of development projects at fast speed across the province.
He said that apart from Holy Family ,Benazir Bhutto Hospital and District Headquarters Hospital had been restored at the cost of millions of rupee.

Promotion of latest technology imperative to increase agri productivity: Dr Iqrar

By
Ali Ali
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FAISALABAD, Feb 20 (APP):University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that promotion of latest technology was imperative to increase per acre agri productivity in the country.
He was addressing the concluding ceremony of a two-day conference titled “emerging technologies for crop improvement” jointly organized by Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics; and Center for Advanced Studies (CAS), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).
He said that adoption of modern agricultural technology was indispensable for achieving food self-sufficiency. In the context of climate change, varieties of crops with more resistance will have to be introduced so that the dream of agricultural development can be achieved, he added.
He said, “By increasing per acre production, we can not only achieve food self-sufficiency but economic condition of the farmers would also be improved.”
Pro-Vice Chancellor UAF Dr. Muhammad Sarwar Khan said that the conference provided ample opportunities to implement coordinated efforts.
He said that agricultural golden chapter can be opened by making joint efforts of scientists at the international level.
Dr. Alex Johnson from the University of Melbourne Australia said that there was a dire need to harmonize biosafety laws which was imperative for food security.
Director CAS Dr Sultan Habib Ullah, Dr Shoukat Ali from Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Chairman Plant Breeding and Genetics UAF Dr. Azeem Iqbal Khan, Dr. Rizwana Maqbool, Dr. Raheela Rehman, Dr Aslam, and others were also present on the occasion.

HEC Sindh asks varsities to initiate intra-provincial exchange programs for students

By
Ali Ali
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KARACHI, Feb 20 (APP):Chairman of Sindh Higher Education Commission Professor Dr S.M. Tariq Rafi (TI) on Tuesday said that our universities should initiate intra-provincial exchange programs for the students so that they could learn from each other experiences and interact with faculty members of other provinces.
He expressed these views during an inaugural session of the first day of the two-day international conference on the transformation of ideas in Pakistan’s political culture.
The event was jointly organized by the Department of Political Science of the University of Karachi and the Institute of Business Management at the KU Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium here.
He said that universities are hub of enhancing skills, learning processes, and mindsets of youngsters and they, directly and indirectly, learn a lot from their faculty members. It is the responsibility of our teachers to interact with them for resolving problems of their students besides teaching them in the best possible way.
Chairman Sindh HEC Professor Dr Tariq Rafi, who was the chief guest in the conference also shared his views on the occasion. It was good to see that a leading public-sector university and a prominent private-sector university have joined hands and shared information among the masses, he said.
KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi said that it is important that we promote intercultural harmony in our social and political system so that people of different cultures, languages, and backgrounds can be accepted by all.
He mentioned that creating an environment where diversity is valued will be of great benefit to society.
He said that increasing the participation of women in the national stream is not only a matter of their rights but a need of a progressive society. Emphasizing the presence and voice of women can add more inclusiveness and diversity of perspectives to our decision-making processes, which are essential for social and political progress, he added.
He shared that two-way communication in the education system needs to be strengthened to create an environment where education can truly become a means of imparting knowledge and understanding.
KU VC Prof. Dr Khalid observed that strengthening democratic values and growth of partnerships are very important in the political and social development of Pakistan.
He believes that by following the principles of democracy, we can build a society where everyone has equal rights and every person can have a voice. It is also important to promote democratic values to end intolerance in society so that a healthy and progressive society can be established.
Meanwhile, President of the Institute of Business Management Karachi Talib S. Karim said that universities can play a key role in achieving the majority of sustainable development goals mentioned by the United Nations.
He mentioned that IoBM considers the KU as its elder brother and looks at it to learn and improve in the fields and disciplines that are not offered by the IoBM.
Earlier, the KU Dean of Arts and Social Sciences Professor Dr Shaista Tabasum said that transformation of political ideas is undeniably a pivotal aspect in the evolution of societies, especially in the context of Pakistan’s political landscape.
This conference is a timely and essential endeavor to explore and understand the shifts, challenges, and innovations within the political culture of our state.  He said that Pakistan’s political culture is continuously evolving, and it is imperative that scholars, policymakers, and thinkers engage in interdisciplinary discussions to comprehend and contribute to these transformations.
KU chairperson of Department of Political Science Prof. Dr Samina Saeed while sharing views said that political culture is a tapestry woven from the threads of diverse perspectives, historical backgrounds, and cultural nuances. Pakistan, with its rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and historical legacies, is experiencing a continuous evolution in its political thought. She narrated that our goal is to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue that transcends borders, bringing together a diverse group of minds to discuss and share insights on the ever-changing landscape of Pakistan’s political culture.
By promoting top-tier research, we aim to contribute to the global discourse on political transformation and to enhance the international competitiveness of the quality research presented during the conference, she added.
The Conference Secretary Dr Muhammad Ali mentioned that this conference serves as a vital platform for exploring the evolving political landscape of Pakistan.

FBR collections grow by 30% to Rs.5.1 trillion till mid February

By
Muhammad Ashraf Wani
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0

ISLAMABAD, Feb 20 (APP):The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected Rs.5.150 trillion since July 2023 to mid of February 2024 against Rs.3.973 trillion over the same period last fiscal year, showing growth of 30 percent.

During the course of this period, tax refunds grew by more than 28 percent, according to press statement issue by Finance Ministry here Tuesday.

Overall growth in the domestic taxes has been around 40%, while import duty and related taxes grew by 16% over July 2023 to January 2024 period. The growth in revenues gained momentum as GDP has revived and FBR collection has come under tighter scrutiny.

FBR collections grow by 30% to Rs.5.1 trillion till mid February

Notwithstanding, growth in import taxes fell largely due to downward adjustments in import tariffs over the years, and more recently restrictions on import licenses imposed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to contain balance of payments position in the wake of foreign exchange constraints.

The revenue collection from imports however incorporate the impact of the improvements in the valuation of imports that yielded Rs 151 billion collections as well as anti- smuggling drive that witnessed almost 69 % growth during the current fiscal year compared to last year.

According to the statement, there was scope to enhance anti-smuggling efforts by looking into increasing customs force in Baluchistan which has currently only 378 anti-smuggling staff compared to 20,000 personnel.

The statement termed the revenue mobilization from domestic taxes as a welcome shift, which was now over 64% of the total revenues collected during the current financial year. Concurrently the import taxes shared has declined to 36% from more than 50% just 3 years ago.

This revenue growth was predominantly driven by various sources of taxation. Income tax collections surged from Rs. 1,751 billion to Rs. 2,447 billion, marking a significant 40% increase. Major contributors to income tax included banks, petroleum and oil lubricants (POL) sector, textile industry, power sector, food industry, and various service sectors.

FBR collections grow by 30% to Rs.5.1 trillion till mid February

Sales tax collections also experienced notable growth, rising from Rs. 1,480 billion to Rs. 1,766 billion, representing a 19% increase. Key sectors driving this growth were the POL industry, power sector, food sector, automotive industry, iron and steel sector, and chemical industry.

Federal excise collections saw a substantial increase of 61%, climbing from Rs. 190 billion to Rs. 307 billion. This surge was primarily attributed to taxation on tobacco products, cement industry, beverages, airlines, fertilizers, and automotive sector.

Customs duty collections expanded from Rs. 552 billion to Rs. 629 billion, marking a growth rate of 14%. Major contributors to customs duty included the POL sector, automotive industry, iron and steel sector, electronics industry, and food industry.

CM calls cabinet meeting on Feb 23

By
Ali Ali
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LAHORE, Feb 20 (APP):Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called a farewell meeting of the cabinet on February 23.
Provincial ministers, chief secretary, IG police, Chairman Planning & Development, Senior Member Board of Revenue and secretaries will attend the meeting. This will be the 42nd cabinet meeting.

CM inaugurates new building of Iqbal Town’s OCU

By
Ali Ali
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LAHORE, Feb 20 (APP):Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi inaugurated the new building of the Iqbal Town’s Organized Crime Unit (OCU) and reviewed various sections besides commending the quality of the rooftop cafe.
CM Naqvi also inspected model police station Ichra and praised the high standards of the upgradation. He extended congratulations to ASP and her team. The CM emphasized the importance of initiatives for the welfare of the police department and underscored the responsibility of treating citizens well at police stations. IGP apprised about the facilities provided for the citizens.
Secretary (Home), CCPO Lahore, DIG (Operations) and others were also present.

Electricity supply to be suspended in LESCO region

By
Ali Ali
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0
LAHORE, Feb 20 (APP):Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has issued power supply suspension schedule for next three days i.e. February 20 to 23, 2024  as the company has to embark upon necessary maintenance and repair work on transmission lines.
According to the company’s spokesman here Tuesday, the electricity supply would remain suspended from 8 am to 4 pm on February 21 from Sharqpur (SKP1-), Sheikhupura (SKP3-) and Mangtanwala Grids’ feeders of Head Lalian, Mandianwala, Mian Sher Muhammad, Fatuwala, Ahmadwala, Jalalpur, Shajowal, Kot Mehmood, Sharqpur Sharif, Faizabad, Sharqpur (SQP2), Helmor PH (E6Q1), C3 (Jharay Kalan), Mor Khunda, D4, E6 (Mandi Faizabad), G8 (Aswan Tentage), F7 (Head Ballocki), A1 (Chachke Gul) and Joge Kot.
On February 22, he said, the electricity would be suspended from 9am to 2pm from Ali Judge Grid’s feeders of Machhora and Rajab; Allama Iqbal Town Grid’s feeder Wahdat Colony; Askari 10 Grid’s areas of F1 to F4, F6 to F9, CMH1 & 2;  Ayesha Grid’s areas Royal Leather, Khan Colony, Housing Colony, Rahmat Colony, DHQ Hospital, Mujahid Nagar, Miraj Park, ASM (Ayesha Spinning), Sargodha road, Ghazni Road, Habib Colony, Qasimpura, National Floor Mill and Tariq Float Glass; Basirpur Grid’s feeders of Ghous-e-Azam, Bank Road, Hafiz Lal, Bataak, Ghalan, Kot Sher Khan, Rukanpora, Mehrke, Ruhila Road and Thokar, Chaurasta; Batapur Grid’s feeders of Manawan and Taqipura; Bhati Gate Grid areas of Ravi Colony, Ali Hajveri and Ahmed Lal Road; Bachiki Grid areas F6 (Barkhordar) and F8 (Bachiki); Band Road Grid areas of PECO Road and Rana Town; Canal Hydropower Plant Grid area of EHKL, Central Park Grid’s Panduki feeder; Chah Meeran Grid’s feeders of Madho Lal Hussain, Fazalpura, Sulaiman Park, Akram Park, Amardeen Road and Misri Shah; Chochak Grid feeder of Condobord; Chohang Grid areas ICC, Defense Road, Radio Pakistan, Mohlan Shah (Industrial-1), US Apprel, Bata, Rangalpur, Zircom, New Chohang, Gope Rai (Lahore Road), Industrial-2, Eden Superior, Kot Gujran, Razaq International, Sadha and Kot Sheikhan; Daroghawala Grid’s feeder of Akbari Colony; Depalpur Grid areas Chohan Shaman, Mol Musa, Pipli Pahar and Peer Di Hatti; DHA Rahbar Grid areas of Industrial, DHA 1-(5-6) and Pacewood; Allahabad Grid’s feeder of Allahabad, X-Air Avenue Grid’s area of New Jahman; Farooqabad Grid’s Jahman feeder; Farooqabad Grid feeders of Pulwa, Rasool Park and C6; Fatehgarh Grid feeders of Iftikhar Park, Amir Town, Bilal Park and Gulshan Farooq; Fort Grid’s feeders Bazar Hakiman and Shisha Moti; Garden Town Grid’s areas of Model Town 2 and Munir Shaheed; Ghazi Grid’s feeders Pepsi Road, Ghaziabad and Zarar Shaheed Road; Gulshan Ravi Grid’s feeders of Firdous Colony, Domestic, LDA, Rustam Park, Haveli Faridpur Jagir, Chak Bawa, Vasaway Vala and Jahangirabad; Hujra Grid’s feeder of Ajajja Bhatta; ICI Public Grid feeders Al-Mezan, ATM, Toyo Nasak, Royal, Subhan, Samira, Laminate and Shahzad Textile; Jandiala Sher Khan Grid’s area of Warren; Johar Town Grid’s feeders of H Block, Q Block, R Block SFD, D Feeder, Campus View, E1, F Block, G1 and M, Niaz Baig, Badar Colony, Katar Band Road, Forensic Science, PIA Shadiwal, Bir, Walk and Shop, CAMB, Canal Park, SPARCO, Tech Society and WASA Disposal; Jubilee Town Grid’s A&B and F&D Blocks, Dawood Residency, Defense Road, Indus Hospital, Mannu Textiles, Mohlanwal Scheme, Shahkam Textiles, Shams Bin Ikram, Spring Apartments and US Apparel New; Kala Shah Kaku Grid’s feeders Scarp 4 and Zafar Park; KK Dogran Grid’s area of Salar; Kahnah Grid’s feeders of US Apparel, Ferozpur Road Kahnah, Ghousia Park, Nishat, Theater, Kanganpur and Muhammadiyah; Kasur New Grid feeders of Jabomali, Shekham, Ferozpur Road, Hospital, Jinnah Road, Peruvala, Qadri, Chant, Sutlej and Majeed City; Kasur Old Grid feeders of Athilpur, Ganda Singhwala, Rasoolpura, Ayaz Textile Mill (ATM), Bachiki and Dolewala; Khadian Grid’s areas of Mandi Usmanwala and Tatara Kamal; Kot Radhakshan Grid’s feeders City-1 and Changamanga City; KSK Grid’s feeders DTM, New Industrial, Sparco No. 4, Zafar Park, SF5 and SF6; Lahore Cantt Grid’s feeder of Abid Majeed Road; LEFO Grid feeder of Ismail Nagar, Lilliyani Grid feeders Lakhniki, Premium Aluminium, Saeed Furnace and SCARP; MA Abad Grid’s feeder Haji Chand; Malikpur Grid feeder of Jogekot; Mangamandi Grid feeders of Nano Dogar (Industrial-1), Manga Hitthar, Aligarh, Industrial-2 Nathe Khalsa, Lahore Poly, Sardarpur, Wapda Town, Yusuf Chakwal, Kot Asadullah, Umar Jabran, Honda, Rai Urooj, TUP, Regal Auto Waqas Rafiq, Moscow and Zahoor Textile; Mochi Gate Grid feeders Walled City and Circular Road; Model Town Grid feeder of Federal Colony, Nankana Grid feeders of Chhokri, Khadanwala, City-2 Gurunanak and Khawaja Mian Fazal Deen; Narang Grid feeder of Bhol Chak; New Kot Lakhpat Grid feeders Comfort, Discon, Halloki, New Ferozpur Road, Nishat Colony, Sufiabad, Industrial-2 Dahlloki and Industrial-3; Newsabzi Mandi Grid’s areas of Al-Haadi Textiles, Asian Textiles, Data Food, Drain, Faiyaran, Four Brothers, Greencap Road, Hassan, Hanbal Textiles, Rustam Towel, Stead Pharma and Gujjomata; Okara City-1 Grid’s feeders Doluwal, South Hospital and Bolan Farm; Okara 2 Grid’s areas Company Bagh and Nizami; Old Kot Lakhpat Grid feeder of Toor; Pattoki Grid’s Hameed Textile Mill, National (NP Parks), New Mandi, Abbas City, Halla Chowk, Hospital (Old Kachehri Pattoki), Shahwali, Defense View, Hanjran Kalan, Jagowala, Old Mandi, Army Ammunition Depot, Changamanga City and Jumber; Qurtaba Grid’s feeder of The Mall Road; Old Raiwind Grid feeder Mayfair; Ravi Grid feeder Khokhar Road (Shad Bagh); Rehman Park Grid area of GSC House; Rewaz Garden Grid feeders Neela Gonbad and Old Anarkali; Rustam Grid’s feeders of Sharkpur Khurd and Khaki; Sabzazar Grid feeders Hassan Town, Babu Sabu, F&G Block and Al-Amumtaz Road; Sadar Gugera Grid feeders Sahiwal Road and Kaku; Sagiyan Grid feeder of Outfall Road; Journalist Colony Grid feeders Madni Road, Qalandpura, Afzal Park, Asif Town, CTD, Canal Fort Housing Scheme, Fisheries, Khyber Colony and Journalist Colony-1; Scarp Grid feeders Majid Park and Narowal Road; Shadman Grid feeders Children Complex, CM Secretariat, GOR (TIE) , PC Hotel and Ichhra East; Shahkot Grid feeders A2, KRTM, SBTM, STM, SUTM, Panwan, S3, Abul Khair, CTM, Jadeed, Kashir Textile, Crescent Textile, Suraj Textile and Shams; Shalimar Grid feeders Lakhuder and Shadipura; Shalimar 2 Grid feeders Sahaar Road and Sukh Nehar; Sharqpur Grid feeders Mandi Usmanwala, Shajuwal, Ahmedwala, Faizabad, Mian Sher Muhammad, Sharqpur and Mandianwala; Sheikhupura Grid’s areas of Company Bagh, Kachhari and D102; Sukhheki Grid feeders Dhaban and New Dhaban; Sunnyview Grid’s feeders Ganga Ram and Hayat Centre; Township Grid areas of Fahad, Madar-e-Millat Road, Nursery Stop and Walgoon; Sohail Grid area of School Road; Walton Grid feeders Defense City and Walton Colony; Wapda Town Grid feeder of Nespak Society; Warburton Grid feeder E103; and Wallington Mall Grid feeders Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
The spokesman further said that electricity supply would also be suspended from February 22 to 23 from 9am to 2pm on Sheikhupura Grid’s feeder of E-102, while on February 22, power suspension time would be from 10am to 2pm on Ayesha Feeder and Press Colony feeder and Basirpur Grid. Similarly, electricity would be suspended from 9:30am to 1:30pm from Askari 10 Grid and 10am to 4pm from EMCO Grid and Green View Grid on February 22.

Chaman protests resolved, passport requirement remains: Jan

By
Ali Ali
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0
QUETTA, Feb 20 (APP):Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister for Information Jan Achakzai on Tuesday announced the resolution of the situation in Chaman following the release of four detained protesters on the guarantee of local elders.
In a statement issued here, he said that the elders pledged that the protesters will not disrupt the normal life of the town.
Earlier, protesters had blocked the Chaman Passport Office, prompting local law enforcement (police and Levies) to remove the barricades. However, the roadblocks have since been cleared and traffic remains normal.
The protests stemmed from opposition to the newly implemented one-document requirement for travel, which stipulates that a passport is mandatory.
The local administration has reiterated its commitment to enforcing this state-mandated policy and warned against any attempts to create law and order problems, emphasizing that such action will be met with stern action.

Chairman, Shandong Xinxu Group meets with Ambassador Hashmi in Beijing

By
NNPS Desk
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0

BEIJING, Feb 20 (APP): Chairman of Shandong Xinxu Group, Hou Jianxin, who had led many successful investment ventures in Pakistan, met with Pakistan Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the chairman apprised the ambassador about his plans for investment in diverse sectors including chemicals, pharma, food and agriculture, fisheries and mining.

“Pleased to receive Mr. Hou Jianxin, Chairman of Shandong Xinxu Group, who has led many successful investment ventures in Pakistan. Discussed his plans for investment in diverse sectors including chemicals, pharma, food & agri, fisheries & mining,” the ambassador posted on X formerly known as Twitter after the meeting.

Commercial Counsellor, Ghulam Qadir and other senior officials were also present.

Widespread snowfall rejuvenate glaciers, water sources in North Khyber Pakthunkhwa

By
Ali Ali
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0
By Fakhar e Alam
KALAM, Feb 20 (APP)::The widespread snowfall along with heavy torrential rains has rejuvenated thousands of glaciers and water sources in northern districts of Khyber Pakthunkhwa, experts said.
Besides Upper South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Kurram, Orakzai and Bajaur tribal districts, the northern Khyber Pakthunkhwa including Swat, Dir, Chitral, Shangla and Buner districts received substantial snowfall over its hills on last Sunday-Monday, breaking the months long dry spell besides invigorated lives of large and small glaciers besides water sources including dams and water reservoirs in these areas of Pakistan.
According to Met Office, the upper northern districts of Khyber Pakthunkhwa has received heavy snowfall during last 24 hours. Kalam has received maximum 16.5 inch snowfall followed by Chitral, Drosh 12 inch, Malam Jabba Swat 8 inch, Chitral 7.6 inch and Dir 2.5 inch respectively.
Tauheedul Haq, former Conservator of Forests and Water expert told APP on Tuesday that the recent widespread snowfall would significantly help increase life of glaciers, dams and waterfalls especially in Northern Pakistan.
He said Pakistan was blessed with over 7,253 glaciers providing fresh water supplies to millions of people for irrigation, drinking and industrial purposes through the Indus River besides controlling water table and floods.
Mostly located in Himalaya, Hindukash and Karkuram regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan, he said these glaciers were a distinctive source of freshwater for agriculture, irrigation, drinking and industrial supplies to millions of people, agriculturists, farmers and industrialists living in those regions and downstream upto Karachi through might river Indus.
Besides 2,253 mighty, medium and small glaciers, including Baltoro (63km), Biafo (67km), Batura (57km) found in Gilgit Baltistan, he said the Khyber Pakthunkhwa’s Upper Chitral district was blessed with around 500 glaciers especially at Trichmir mountains ranges providing freshwater to Khyber Pakthunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh provinces through rivers Swat, Panjokra, Kabul and Indus throughout the year.
“Pakistan contains more glaciers than any other parts of earth outside of the polar region. Our irrigation network has largely depended on these glaciers that continuously re-charge our irrigated system in all provinces,’ said Tauheedul Haq.
He said Pakistan, which was vulnerable to climate change, relied mostly on these glaciers for its water besides controlling the rise of temperature and global warming. ‘”The rise of global temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions have put Pakistan under a risk of natural calamities, heatwaves, droughts, floods, and fast melting glaciers.”
Taheedul Haq said that Pakistan was highly susceptible to climate change- induced weather patterns including rising temperatures, unpredictable rains and floods besides fast melting of glaciers in Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that could be tackled through a huge plantation.
He said the country was heading towards a situation of water shortage and food insecurity due to fast melting of glaciers, poor investment in agriculture, flooding, rapid population growth, water loss by car stations besides deforestation and high population bulge.
Citing the National Water Policy 2018 report which revealed that the per capita surface water availability has declined from 5,260 cubic meters per year in 1951 to around 1,000 cubic meters in 2016, he said this quantity was likely to further drop to about 860 cubic meters in next few years, marking our transition from a “water stressed” to a “water scarce” country.
He said the minimum water requirement to avoid food and health implications of water scarcity was 1,000 cubic meters per capita per year and the situation underlined the need for rapid development and management of the country’s water resources especially completion of construction of large and small dams including Mohmand and Diamir Bhasha besides Kurram Tangi dam to conserve the precious water for future  generation.
He said Pakistan’s average annual rainfall was ranging between 400milimeter (mm) to 1000mm while snowfall ranged about 60 inches that could be increased by bringing more areas under forestry cover especially in high alpasture and glaciers zones.
Tauheed said forestry cover in the country was around five percent, which was low compared to 25percent international standard and bringing mountainous areas under afforestation through farm forestry and enclosures would help minimize melting of glaciers in the country.
Khyber Pakthunkhwa Forest Department’s spokesman told APP that recent snowfall was important for conservation of water besides maintaining water table important for afforestation drives. He said that 12 million saplings of various species would be planted during spring season in the province.
He said students, farmers and village development committees besides officials of national building departments were being involved to achieve the set target under spring afforestation campaign in KP.
He said about five million saplings would be planted in central southern region 1 including Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda and southern districts of Khyber Pakthunkhwa.
He said that 3.806 million saplings would be sown in Malakand Forest Region III Swat including Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Chitral and Dir districts where usher and mass plantation would also be carried out.
The barren lands and rugged mountains of merged tribal districts would also be utilized to achieve the set afforestation targets with cooperation of relevant departments and tribal elders.
He said that tribal people were being encouraged to approach divisional forest officers offices in their respective districts for obtaining plants for plantations.
He said that if every person plants at least two plants in a year and looks after it then 480 million saplings would be planted in one calendar year.
The official said tree plantation was a continued charity and urged the public to take part in the spring afforestation drive to make the province lush green besides controlling fast melting of glaciers and effects of climate change.
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