Plantation refers to the systematic growth of trees and shrubs with the purpose of maintaining ecological balance. It improves the environment and supports life on earth. In a world increasingly threatened by climate change, deforestation and urbanization, plantation holds special significance, particularly Pakistan where environmental challenges are severe. Trees are not only the lungs of the earth, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, but they also play an integral role in water conservation, soil fertility, biodiversity and the socioeconomic stability of communities.
Plantation contributes immensely to the preservation of the environment. Trees absorb greenhouse gases, thereby mitigating global warming and climate change. Their roots prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility, while their shelter reduces air temperature and provides shade. Pakistan is an agricultural country. It greatly benefits from plantation, as trees improve rainfall patterns and help recharge groundwater tables essential for farming.
Economically, trees provide timber, fruits, medicinal resources and raw materials for industries, thus creating livelihood opportunities. Plantation along roadsides reduces noise pollution and provides scenic beauty, encouraging eco-tourism. Socially and psychologically, green spaces and tree cover are associated with stress reduction, improved community well-being and enhanced quality of life.
Consequences of Forest Reduction in Pakistan
A report reveals that Pakistan has around 4.2 million acres of forest, covering around 5% of the its total land area. Nearly 40% of these forests are made up of coniferous and shrub types found in the northern hills and mountains. The remaining forests consist of irrigated plantations, riverine forests along the Indus plains, mangrove forests in the Indus Delta and trees planted on agricultural land. It is extremely sorry to mention that Pakistan has witnessed alarming deforestation trends. The Food and Agriculture Organization and local studies report that Pakistan has lost nearly 18% of its forests over recent decades. It is one of the fastest rate of deforestation in South Asia. This decline in forests carries serious consequences.
The loss of forest cover accelerates climate change effects. Pakistan is among the top ten countries most vulnerable to climate risks. Reduction in tree cover increases carbon concentration in the atmosphere, contributing to rising temperatures and irregular weather patterns.
Deforestation threatens water security. Forests in the northern areas regulate river flows and protect watersheds. With 18% reduction, the risks of floods, droughts and glacial melting increase. The devastating floods of 2010 and 2022 were intensified due to diminished forest buffers. The most recent incidence is an intense cloudburst that unleashed flash floods across province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially in Buner – a district causing ruinous damage. Torrential rainfall dumped over 150 mm of rain in under an hour, sweeping away homes, roads, and possessions. The death toll in KP has soared past 320, with more than 300 confirmed dead and many still missing, including over 200 in Buner alone. Entire villages were buried under mud and debris. Rescue efforts face massive challenges due to blocked roads and ruined infrastructure. Climate experts warn that shifting monsoon patterns,likely driven by climate change, are making such extreme events more frequent and severe.
Another direct consequence of deforestation is loss of biodiversity. Biodiversity means the variety of life in a place. It includes all kinds of plants, animals, insects, birds, fish and even tiny organisms along with the environments they live in. Wildlife species dependent on forests for food and habitat face extinction. National parks and natural reserves in Pakistan are under increasing stress. It is a great threat to survival of rare species like the snow Leopard and Markhor. It is worth mentioning here that Markhor is the national animal of Pakistan which is famous for its striking twisted horns.
Moreover, the socioeconomic consequences are severe. Communities dependent on forests for fuel, fodder and non-timber products suffer from resource scarcity. Soil erosion, desertification and reduced agricultural productivity further undermine rural livelihoods.
In addition, urban areas face worsening air pollution due to insufficient trees, as seen in smog episodes in Lahore and other cities of Punjab. The absence of trees also reduces humidity and disrupts natural air balance, intensifying the concentration of smoke and dust. Thus, deforestation directly accelerates smog formation and deteriorates air quality.
In Pakistan,since its independence, the role of successive governments in forest decline has been controversial. Instead of prioritizing plantation, many policies and practices have indirectly reduced forests. Governments have allowed large-scale logging, land clearance for housing schemes, and expansion of agriculture without strict environmental checks. Weak enforcement of forestry laws has encouraged illegal timber mafias. Infrastructure projects, such as roads and dams, have also destroyed natural habitats without adequate reforestation measures. Although tree plantation drives are occasionally launched, they are usually short-term and lack proper follow up.Thus, it can be concluded that government inaction and inadequate planning have played a greater role in shrinking forests than in promoting their growth.
Plantation is not merely an environmental concern but a necessity for the survival and prosperity of Pakistan. The alarming reduction of forest cover by 18% demands urgent action. Large-scale plantation drives, effective forest management, strict anti-deforestation laws and community involvement are crucial to reversing the trend. Pakistan future food security, water availability, climate resilience and general well-being are deeply tied to its forests. Protecting and expanding forest resources must therefore become a national priority, ensuring a greener, healthier and sustainable future.
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