Punjab Launches ‘Friends of Forest’ Drive to Plant 51 Million Trees and Boost Eco-Tourism

Lahore: The Punjab government has launched a large-scale plantation and environmental protection campaign under the ‘Friends of Forest’ initiative, aimed at boosting green cover, promoting eco-tourism, and enhancing forest protection with modern monitoring technologies.

The drive was inaugurated at Jallo by Parliamentary Secretary for Forests Kanwal Liaqat. Under the Chief Minister’s Plant for Pakistan Initiative, more than 51 million trees will be planted across 50,869 acres, while 1.37 million saplings are being raised on 3,790 acres of wasteland under the CM Agroforestry Programme. The Green Pakistan Programme has also been expanded, targeting 466 million trees over 251,000 acres, along with five million trees planned along 10,223 avenue miles of canal banks.

To encourage eco-tourism, new visitor facilities are being developed at Lal Suhanra National Park and the Salt Range, supported by a LEED-certified eco-friendly complex for staff and tourists. Technology upgrades include wireless networks, GPS devices, CCTV surveillance, and digital monitoring systems to safeguard forests.

In Murree and Kahuta, the Shielding Summits Programme is being implemented to protect hilly regions from natural hazards. Measures include the recruitment of 600 fire watchers, deployment of fire-fighting vehicles, construction of watchtowers, restoration of forest trails, and installation of water tanks to preserve natural springs.

The Forest Department has also rolled out technology-driven solutions, such as a GIS-based monitoring system using drones, satellites, and LiDAR to detect wildfires and encroachments. Tree inventories are being digitised, and forestry operations accelerated with modern machinery. A network of 104 command-and-control centres now ensures 24/7 vigilance across Punjab.

Forest DG Azfar Zia said these innovations would greatly enhance real-time forest management and protection. Environmental expert Dr. Salman Tariq, however, cautioned against plantation in inundated areas during floods, warning saplings could be lost without proper rooting. He advised delaying such activities until floodwaters recede.

Officials stressed that the initiative underlines Punjab’s commitment to climate resilience, sustainable development, and eco-friendly tourism.