Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan has announced the official launch of the province-wide monsoon tree plantation campaign, under which 2 million saplings will be planted across the province. He added that an additional 1.4 million saplings will be planted on August 14, Pakistan's Independence Day.

He said that under the Peshawar Azmat-e-Rafta Restoration Programme, 540,000 saplings will be planted over 10,000 kanals of land in the Spin Khak area. The project also includes the establishment of 200 kanals of fruit orchards and the plantation of 20,000 olive trees.

According to Shafi Jan, 20 Miyawaki forests will be developed in Peshawar, while 40,000 fruit-bearing trees will be planted in educational institutions and other government buildings. He said fruit orchards play a vital role in providing natural habitats for birds, ensuring food availability, and maintaining ecological balance.

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He stated that practical measures are being taken to promote forests in line with the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan, adding that substantial funds have been allocated in the current fiscal year's budget for plantation initiatives by the Forest Department.

According to the minister, Rs1 billion has been allocated for the Ten Billion Tree Upscaling Green Pakistan Plantation Programme, Rs500 million for the Billion Tree Plus Programme, and another Rs500 million for the Billion Tree Afforestation Support Project.

Shafi Jan further said that Rs98 million has been earmarked for various environmental projects, including funds to help convert brick kilns to zigzag technology, aimed at reducing air pollution.

He added that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounts for approximately 45% of Pakistan's total forest cover, and that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, efforts will continue to make the province greener through public participation.