any cities around the world are known for their unique trees, which locals cherish and diligently maintain. In stark contrast, Karachi, my birthplace and residence, has seen rapid expansion with little regard for incorporating trees into its urban planning. This imbalance between infrastructure growth and greenery has significantly impacted the city.

In 1949, shortly after independence, Karachi was selected to be the capital. The Swedish firm MRV was commissioned to develop a master-plan. It included a green belt around the city as a buffer zone. Unfortunately, this plan was never implemented, marking the start of declining visionary governance and the rise of political and speculative interests, often referred to as the Mafias of Karachi.

Only recently have we begun to recognise the importance of trees. Often, trees that have taken decades to mature are chopped down for inadequate reasons, like obstructing the unsightly tangle of overhead cables. The “tree-choppers” lack an understanding of the ecological and aesthetic damage they inflict. In contrast, major cities globally employ trained landscape personnel armed with appropriate tools, carefully trimming, pruning and shaping each branch much as an orthopaedic surgeon would deal with a human limb.

Trees vary widely in their size, shape, foliage and ecological roles. They transform urban landscapes throughout the seasons, unlike static man-made structures. Urban planners in many cities consider these characteristics when selecting trees for specific areas. Mature trees, rather than delicate saplings, are often transplanted with expert care to ensure they thrive.

In Karachi, the lack of official attention has led to individual efforts to protect and expand the city’s green spaces. Architect Marvi Mazhar has worked to raise awareness about preserving the city’s few remaining banyan trees. Citizens Masood Lohar and Shahzad Qureshi have pioneered urban forestry using the Miyawaki method.

Trees lining our streets offer more than eye-candy. They provide shade, cleanse the air and lower temperatures. Here are some global examples of urban tree plantations making significant impacts:

In the 1960s, during Islamabad’s development, landscape consultants advised planting trees on the Margalla Hills’ south face. Over five years, five million trees were planted, drastically moderating the climate and attracting diverse wildlife. The difference between Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi highlights the plantation’s success.

As cities expand, wilderness and biodiversity often diminish. The Middle East Technical University in Ankara, where I completed my architectural training (B.Arch and M.Arch from 1967 to 1972), stands out for its direct approach to these issues through an ambitious reforestation programme. Since 1961, the university has planted over one million trees annually, primarily non-irrigational species, across 3,100 hectares of its 4,500-hectare campus. This initiative has revitalised the once-barren hills with indigenous flora and attracted 150 animal species.

The programme’s scale and vision challenge conventional urban greening approaches. Its boldness and persistence over six decades are truly remarkable, prompting reflection on what is possible in urban sustainability. This reforestation effort has dramatically improved Ankara’s climate, making it less dry, less polluted and more liveable. I am proud to have participated in the plantation effort during my student days, and attended the Aga Khan Award for Architecture presentation ceremony as a technical reviewer in 1995 when the event was held in Indonesia, and where the Re-Forestation Programme of the METU won the prestigious award.

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are iconic in Japan and symbolise cultural identity. In 1912, Japan gifted 2,000 cherry trees to the United States as a symbol of friendship. Today, 9,000 cherry trees bloom in the DC area each spring. People drive over from as far as New York or adjust their travel schedules to be there to admire their beauty.

In the US, urban forests and botanical gardens are often found in the heart of busy cities. The DC, Virginia and Maryland areas showcase meticulously maintained trees, highlighting the importance of integrating nature into urban environments. During neighbourhood walks on our visits to the USA where we stay with our son and his family, we cannot ignore the sculpted beauty of each tree we come across.

In January 1989, I was in Nagoya, Japan, to present a report on strengthening housing sector activities, to be presented on behalf of Pakistan, at the United Nations Centre for Regional Development. The city, with its moderate climate and distinct seasons, has a long history of thoughtful urban planning. The city’s policy has doubled the amount of greenery along its streets, making it a model of urban design. The Nagoya City Park and Green Association educate the public about the importance of trees, encouraging citizens to care for and preserve them. The city authorities are not the only ones to care for the trees on their roads. Volunteer efforts are an important aspect of tree care. I learnt that there are some 227 Street Tree Care Associations in Nagoya. They have been organised to weed, water, clean and care for their trees. The system was established after World War II and has been highly successful.

I also learnt that in 1972, based on the results of a vote by the people of the city, the camphor tree was chosen from seven other types as the city’s tree, for the following reasons:

• It was the most popular choice in the poll
• It is evergreen and grows quickly
• It is well adjusted to the climate of Nagoya
• It grows in many prominent locations in the city and people are familiar with it.

The French

Concession in

Shanghai

Since both my children lived in Shanghai, China, for an extended period, I often visited the city. The French Concession was a foreign concession in Shanghai from 1849 to 1946, and was progressively expanded. This area was the premier residential and retail district of Shanghai, in which development followed its own by-laws. Thousands of plane trees, a species of the genus platanus, were planted along its streets between the late 19^th and early 20^th Centuries. Despite extensive re-development over the recent decades, the area retains a distinct character, for its architectural ambience as well as for its shady, tree-lined streets. It is a popular tourist destination.

To combat climate change, we must expand urban forests and integrate trees into cityscapes. Trees provide relief from urban heat and create a balance between buildings and nature. Raising awareness about the benefits of trees should start early, with educational programmes and storybooks beginning in kindergarten. By fostering a culture of tree care, we can ensure a healthier, greener future for our cities.

The global examples of urban tree plantation highlight the transformative power of greenery in cities. By learning from these examples and implementing similar strategies, Karachi and other cities can improve their environments, making them more liveable and sustainable for future generations.

The writer is an architect and urban designer based in Karachi. He can be reached at  mukhtar. husain@gmail.com