ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and Deputy Commissioner Islamabad office have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual cooperation to plant one million trees in Islamabad during 2020 under ICCIs ‘Go Green Islamabad’ campaign.

ICCI President Mohammad Ahmed Waheed and Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Hamza Shafqaat signed the MoU in DC Office here on Friday.

Senior Vice President Tahir Abbasi, ICCI Vice President Saif ur Rahman Khan, Convenor of ICCI Horticulture CommitteeAsif Shafiq Chaudhry and others were present at the occasion.

The DC office constituted a team under Additional Deputy Commissioner Waseem Ahmed, to cooperate with ICCI in the ‘Go Green’ drive.

According to the MoU, the DC office in collaboration with Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) and Capital Development Authority (CDA) will identify and allocate land to the ICCI for tree plantation.

The DC Office will support ICCI in leveling and landscaping of the area for tree plantation and cooperate with the chamber in the maintenance of planted trees and engage relevant ministries and organisations in the campaign.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shafqaat said that making Pakistan an environment friendly country is the key priority of the government.

He said that this drive will help in improving Islamabad’s environment and assured that the ICT Administration will provide all possible support to make this drive successful.

Mr Waheed said that the prime minister has set a target of planting 10 billion trees in the country during five years.

Local markets, schools and other organisations will also be engaged in the drive and the ICCI will welcome any institution to join hands with them in this noble cause, he added.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2020