National Tree Plantation Day (Pakistan)

National Tree Plantation Day was officially instituted in 2009 by the Pakistani government and then president with the primary objective of promoting consciousness about deforestation and various ecological concerns.[5] In 2010, a new record was set when India successfully planted 611,000 saplings within a span of 24 hours. Nevertheless, Pakistan regained Guinness World Records three years subsequent, as a group of around 300 individuals consisting of forest department personnel, volunteers, and social workers managed to plant approximately 750,000 mangrove saplings in slightly over 12 hours.[6][7][8]

The Ministry of Environment in Pakistan is responsible for the coordination and arrangement of events and initiatives related to National Tree Plantation Day. On the 18th of August, the entire Pakistani population is urged to engage in tree-planting endeavors that span across the nation. This collective effort aims to achieve the highest possible tree planting count. The observance of this holiday garners extensive media attention and is supplemented by a substantial awareness campaign.[4][9]

Apart from National Tree Plantation Day, Pakistan hosts various other initiatives focused on tree plantation. One instance involves a tree plantation campaign initiated by a Turkish aid agency, dedicated to paying tribute to the martyrs of July 15.[10] Additionally, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan introduced a monsoon tree plantation campaign.[11] Prime Minister Imran Khan has spearheaded numerous tree plantation efforts, including the largest-ever plantation campaign during Tiger Force Day,[12] a notable nationwide tree plantation campaign, and the spring tree plantation drive of 2022.[13] Furthermore, the Senate commemorated its 50th anniversary with a three-day series of events, incorporating tree plantation activities into the celebrations.[14]