KARACHI: Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Tuesday launched the Urban Forest project along the newly-built Shahrah-i-Bhutto to plant 100,000 saplings over the route, hoping that “it would play a significant role in environmental improvement, reducing air pollution and providing citizens with a healthier and better environment.”

Talking to the media at the launching ceremony, he said that under the project, around 10,000 trees have already been planted along the EBM Causeway on Shahrah-i-Bhutto while the overall target is to plant 100,000 saplings in phases.

Members of the City Council, elected representatives, and other concerned officials were also present on the occasion.

The mayor said that neem, gulmohar trees, and other indigenous species suitable for Karachi’s climate and environment are being planted under the tree plantation campaign. The project will not only help reduce the city’s temperature and pollution levels but will also contribute to improving oxygen levels.

The Urban Forest project will provide a natural habitat for birds and wildlife while also enhancing the beauty of the city.

Mayor Wahab said that climate change has become a major challenge for Pakistan, while the increasing heat in Karachi clearly indicates the possible effects of global warming. He said that responsible leadership always makes decisions keeping the future in mind and that improving the urban environment is the need of the hour.

He said that all institutions in Pakistan are working towards infrastructure improvement, while the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation is also carrying out large-scale plantation drives on open spaces so that these plants may grow into large trees in the coming years and provide a better environment for citizens. He added that the decision to establish green zones along Shahrah-i-Bhutto is also part of the same vision, and the Parks Department had started work on the project two months ago.

He directed the Parks Department to establish similar green zones in all seven districts of Karachi. He said that neem trees have been planted in Korangi and further plantation projects will continue across the city. He also appealed to citizens to participate in the Green Karachi campaign by planting trees.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026