Rawalpindi (City Reporter) – A dignified flag hoisting ceremony and mega tree planting campaign was organized at Iqbal Park, Rawalpindi, by the Horticulture Agency Rawalpindi in collaboration with the Al-Khidmat Foundation, in celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day. The purpose of the event was to express love for the homeland and to raise awareness among citizens, especially the youth, about tree planting, environmental protection, and a green and clean Pakistan.
The ceremony was attended by Additional MD of Horticulture Agency Rawalpindi Ihsanullah, Director of Horticulture Sheikh Tariq, representatives from Al-Khidmat Foundation, officials and staff of Horticulture Agency Rawalpindi, volunteer youth, students, and members of civil society. The event commenced with the national flag being raised, while participants proudly sang the national anthem.
On this occasion, Additional MD Ihsanullah and Director Sheikh Tariq, along with other distinguished guests, officially launched the mega tree planting campaign by planting saplings in Iqbal Park. Volunteer youth from Al-Khidmat Foundation also enthusiastically participated in the tree planting activity, planting saplings at various locations.
During their speeches, the speakers emphasized that Pakistan’s Independence Day is not just a day of celebration but also an opportunity to renew the commitment to contribute towards making the country clean, green, beautiful, and free from environmental pollution. They stated that trees are a precious gift from nature and play a fundamental role in maintaining ecological balance, reducing air pollution, moderating temperatures, and providing a healthy environment for future generations.
The speakers remarked that tree planting is essentially an investment in Pakistan’s bright and secure future. A sapling planted today will not only provide shade and oxygen in the future but will also enhance the beauty of the city. They urged the youth not to limit tree planting to a one-day activity but to consider the care and protection of the planted saplings as their responsibility.
Additional MD Ihsanullah stated that organizing a tree planting campaign on Independence Day sends a beautiful message that practical expressions of love for the homeland can also be achieved by making the country green and beautiful. He noted that the Horticulture Agency Rawalpindi is continuing various initiatives for enhancing the beauty of the city, restoring green belts, beautifying parks, and promoting tree planting.
Director Sheikh Tariq highlighted that planting more trees in urban areas is a pressing need of the time. He mentioned that tree planting activities are being promoted in various parks, green belts, and other public places to make Rawalpindi greener. He encouraged citizens to also play their part in these efforts by planting trees and ensuring their protection.
During the mega tree planting campaign, participants planted saplings in various parts of Iqbal Park and expressed their commitment to their proper care. On this occasion, participants also offered special prayers for the development, prosperity, and security of Pakistan.
The speakers further stated that the message of tree planting on Independence Day symbolizes that a strong, prosperous, and developed Pakistan, along with a green Pakistan, should also be our national priority. The goals of tree planting can be achieved through mutual cooperation among the government, institutions, welfare organizations, educational institutions, and citizens.
At the conclusion of the event, participants expressed their commitment to plant as many trees as possible under the spirit of “One Plant for Pakistan,” to protect them, and to continue collective efforts to make Rawalpindi a greener, more beautiful, and environmentally safe city. The Horticulture Agency Rawalpindi also distributed free saplings to the public on Murree Road.