PLANTING trees is a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and its reward continues even after the death of the person who plants a tree.

Trees and plants are the prime source of environmental purification and beautification. Trees inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen, reduce temperature and create a healthy effect, both physically and psychologically, on human beings.

In fact, forests are the only natural industry which produces oxygen. According to international standards, area under forests should form at least 25 per cent of the total land inhabited by a human population.

But the area covered by forests in our country has been reduced to about 4.8 per cent of the total land. These statistics do not include the frontier areas. In such circumstances we should plant more and more trees.

In pursuance of this resolve, students of a public sector medical college of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa organised a tree plantation campaign.

These students devoted their Sunday to planting saplings and beautification of the college. The environment of the college lawns was drastically changed in just one day because of tree plantation by these students.

It is true that the youth of Pakistan possesses a great potential and spirit to change society. They can change every negative into a positive aspect.

They can change any calamity into an opportunity. All they need is proper guidance and encouragement.

Considering the zeal of the college students we can say that the future of Pakistan is bright, secure and prosperous because future belongs to the youth.

SHAH FAISAL KHAN D.I. Khan

Natural gas & deforestation ONLY three per cent of Pakistan’s land consists of forests, which are rapidly decreasing because of growing population. Deforestation is resulting in global warming. Trees not only provide oxygen, but also beautify the environment.

A large number of people are chopping down trees to use wood as a fuel to cook food.

Although Balochistan provides natural gas to the country from Sui, ironically it is badly affected by deforestation as a number of cities do not have natural gas to cook food.

As Balochistan is deprived of natural gas, people have no option but to use wood as fuel in their households.

Some people are also involved in cutting trees for their personal gains and businesses like making furniture and sport goods. I request the government to provide Balochistan natural gas which is its right.

It will also stop deforestation in the province.

BILAL NOOR BOLANI Bolan