ABBOTTABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 19th Aug, 2026) Provencial aid for Forests Muhammad Mansoor Khan Ghazi has said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is committed to advancing the vision of a Green Pakistan and increasing forest cover across the province.
He said Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi had set a target of planting 114,000 trees by August 14, but with the active participation of the public, students of schools and colleges, and civil society, the province surpassed the target by planting around 190,000 saplings.
The advisor said the Chief Minister had now set a new target of planting 200,000 trees by September 6, expressing confidence that the goal would also be achieved through public participation and the support of educational institutions and civil society.
Muhammad Mansoor Khan Ghazi stressed that trees play a vital role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment, urging citizens to work alongside the Forest Department to protect newly planted saplings and ensure their survival.
Highlighting the contribution of former Chief Conservator of Forests Asghar Khan, he said his services represented an important example of professional and environmental leadership in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Asghar Khan introduced modern forest management practices in line with international standards, strengthened measures against illegal logging and timber smuggling in forest regions including Hazara and Malakand, and improved monitoring mechanisms.
He also developed emergency plans to protect forests from summer fires and arranged modern training for field staff. His efforts included supervising large-scale plantation campaigns aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and increasing forest cover.
He further contributed to promoting environmentally responsible tourism by protecting historic government rest houses and access routes without compromising the natural beauty of forest areas.
The advisor said such efforts would not only help make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa greener but would also protect future generations from growing environmental challenges.
