PHA marks Forest Day with citywide plantation drives

Rawalpindi:International Forest Day was observed worldwide on March 21, and in this regard, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Rawalpindi organized multiple tree plantation events across the city. These initiatives were carried out under the directives of DG PHA Ahmed Hassan Ranjha to emphasize the significance of tree plantation.

One of the key events took place at Allama Iqbal Park, where a tree plantation ceremony was organized by PHA Rawalpindi. The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Hassan Waqar Cheema, MPA Advocate Muhammad Hanif, MPA Ziaullah Shah, Tahira Aurangzeb, Haji Pervez Khan, League leader Bilal Kiani, and several other dignitaries. The guests actively participated in the plantation drive by planting saplings and raising awareness about the importance of afforestation. They also distributed saplings to the public at PHA’s free sapling distribution stall.

Another plantation event was held at Dhok Munshi Potwar Park, where Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Daniyal Chaudhry, took part in the campaign by planting saplings. Local schoolgirls also participated in the drive, contributing to the green initiative.

Earlier in the day, a tree plantation ceremony was conducted at the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) building. DG RDA Kanza Murtaza, MD WASA M. Saleem Ashraf, and Director Horticulture PHA Sheikh Tariq Mahmood took part in the campaign by planting saplings.

Additionally, PHA organized a plantation drive at the Rawalpindi Press Club, attended by Director Admin and Finance PHA Hasnain Sahib, President of the National Press Club Azhar Jatoi, and Executive Governing Body Members Izharul Haq Niazi and Shakeel Awan, among others. The journalist community pledged their support for PHA’s green initiatives, with President Azhar Jatoi affirming their commitment to environmental conservation.

On the occasion of World Forest Day, PHA set up multiple plant distribution points across Rawalpindi on the special instructions of DG PHA Ahmed Hassan Ranjha. Thousands of free saplings were distributed to the public, and more than 2,600 saplings were planted in Allama Iqbal Park alone.