International Day of Forests was celebrated with the pledge to protect forests from damages and promoting forestry to tackle the challenges of global warming.
In order to mark the day a seminar was held at Forest School Ghora Gali, Murree on Saturday under the auspices of Ministry of Climate Change, Punjab forest Department and IUCN. Prominent Environmentalists, President Pakistan Green Task Force and prominent leader PML (N) Dr. Jamal Nasir was the chief guest. Country Representative IUCN Pakistan Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Secretary Environment Iqbal Muhammad Chohan, Political Advisor to Minister for Climate Change Sulman Abbasi, Member Guzara Forest Committee Air Commodore Mr. Hafeez, Divisional Forest Officers, Abdul Muqeed Khan, Gohar Mushtaq, Mohammad Saqib, Sajid Qadus, Sardar Fida Hussain Shah, Sub Divisional Forest Officer, Agha Hussain Shah, foresters, field forest workers, representatives of civil society and notables of the area present on the occasion.
Highlighting the significant importance of forests Dr. Jamal Nasir said that in order to reduce the rising trend of temperature and melting process of glaciers it is imperative that we should devote our energies towards bringing maximum area under green cover. He said industrialization and rapid growth in population had badly effect environment and it is also teaching of Islam as well Holy Prophet PBUH that we should not damage trees at any cost.
Representing Federal Minister for Climate Change Mushahid Ullah Khan, his Political Secretary Sulman Abbasi read out the message of Federal Minister for Climate Change and said that emissions of green house gases is alarming and decreasing forests is a matter of concern which should be handled by planting new saplings.
Country Representative IUCN Mehmood Akhtar Cheema also spoke on the occasion and informed about the efforts and projects initiated to address climate change issues. Dr. Shahzad DIG, Ministry of Climate Change briefed about the importance of forests wealth.
Prominent speakers also highlighted the importance of climate change issues.