LOWER DIR: Speakers at an event in Talash on Wednesday said large-scale plantation and forest conservation had become essential to counter environmental pollution, climate change, smog and rising heat waves.

The event was organised by Al-Khidmat Foundation (AKF) at the Government College of Commerce and Management Sciences, Talash, as part of its 2026 plantation drive.

Hundreds of saplings were planted during the event by volunteers and students, while the foundation has set a target of planting more than 5,000 saplings across different parts of Lower Dir under the campaign.

The speakers said growing environmental degradation, soil erosion, water scarcity, and the increasing threat of natural disasters could only be tackled through sustained afforestation and by adopting the principle of “five trees for every person”.

The AKF provincial president, Fazal Mahmood, district president Hafeezullah Khaksar and others spoke on the occasion, saying the organisation was continuing its nationwide plantation drive with a target of planting one million saplings across the country to help ensure a safer and healthier environment for future generations.

They urged students to actively participate in plantation campaigns.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2026