MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Masood Khan has said forest conservation and reforestation have become inevitable to preserve the natural beauty of the liberated territory, maintain climatic balance and secure the future of the coming generations.

In his message on the launch of the national tree plantation campaign 2019 on Monday, he said AJK was the most suitable region for tree plantation, both geographically and climatically.

The territory, he said, continued to receive downpours almost throughout the year which was essential for the growth of trees.

“In spite of such favourable climate, if we fail to make our state green and emerald it will be our bad luck,” he said.

He said in the light of Islamic teachings it was individual, collective and social responsibility of every person to make the tree plantation programme a success at the regional and national level.

“Tree plantation is not the responsibility of any particular individual, department or government alone but it’s a collective national obligation and each one of us has to contribute to it,” he observed.

Mr Khan said AJK forests were not only an asset of the state but also a treasure of national importance.

“These forests in the bottom of the Himalayan range fulfil the basic needs of 88 per cent rural population of Azad Kashmir and guarantee stability of agriculture and industry of Pakistan.”

He said forest conservation also added to the beauty of the region and helped attract tourists and contributes to strengthen national economy.

Mr Khan expressed delight that the AJK forest department had made arrangements to plant more than seven million saplings during the drive with the cooperation of the public.

He appealed to people belonging to all segments of society, particularly students of universities, colleges and schools, to enthusiastically take part in the campaign.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2019