SWAT: Climate change and forestry minister Fazal Hakim Khan has said that the provincial government would take tangible steps, including effective legislation, to minimise the impacts of global warming.

He was speaking at a ceremony held in Saidu Sharif area to inaugurate the Spring Tree Plantation campaign.

Local MNA Sohail Sultan, Swat mayor Shahid Khan, the forest conservator for Malakand division, and DFOs and SDFOs were also present on the occasion.

The minister said the government’s focus was on tree plantations to address climate change.

“As our country is worst hit by environmental issues, we understand the importance of planting trees,” he said.

Mr Khan said special tree plantation campaigns would be carried out across the province to minimise the impact of climate change in Peshawar, Mardan, Mingora, and other big cities.

He said the main reason for rising temperatures was a lack of trees and a high population growth rate.

The minister said he hoped that massive tree plantations would check the rising temperature in Peshawar and other cities.

He said Swat was worst hit in the province by floods in recent years as glacial lake outbursts destroyed forests and agricultural lands and washed away infrastructure and residential areas.

“We are examining factors contributing to climate change and will devise proper plans to develop sustainable strategies and promote responsible practices to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2024