KARACHI: The Hor­ticultural Society of Pak­istan (HSP) joined hands with the Plant for Pakistan initiative by launching a plantation campaign at a ceremony held in the A.K. Khan Park at Seaview on Monday.

In the first phase, 300 native species would be planted in the park.

The highlight of the event was plantation of a Berna sapling (Crateva religiosa) by retired Lt-Gen Jahanzeb Arbab, the chief guest and chairman of society’s flower show committee.

A large number of members of the society and its affiliated bodies attended the event.

“Berna was especially chosen for this event as it was Mr A.K. Khan’s favourite species which he planted at various locations in Kar­achi. Some of them have been lost owing to development activities and lack of care, but few are still thriving,” said Mr Arbab.

The HSP was committed to keep values of its pioneers alive, he added.

Briefing about society’s work, HSP chairman Kal­eem Farooqi said that it was consistently engaged in efforts to promote horticulture and environment-fri­endly activities since its establishment in 1948.

Mr Farooqi on part of the society expressed strong support to the national campaign for plantation.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2018