LAHORE/PESHAWAR – Pakistan’s apolitical trees have come out strongly against recent accusations made by some quarters of their affiliation with two of the country’s major political parties, the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
The accusations came amidst forestation schemes launched by the two parties, which many plants feel is an act of political point-scoring.
“While it might benefit our species, we have no political affiliation with the Green Pakistan scheme,” shouted protesting Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) trees at Chhanga-Manga, talking about the Rs 553 million recently released as first tranche of the fund.
“Yes, we have suffered a lot from deforestation and would welcome more of our kind in here, but that doesn’t mean we are workers of the PML-N.”
A Kikar (Acacia nilotica) tree talking exclusively to The Dependent called out the Gullu Butts of environmental politics.
“We won’t be intimidated by your trunks and branches!” the tree said talking about PML-N affiliated plants that have reportedly created an atmosphere of thuggery in the region. “We will decide when the time comes, but right now we are not affiliated with any party.”
“I’m not a part of this tsunami by choice,” says a newly planted dodonea tree in the outskirts of Peshawar talking about the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunwa (KP) government’s much touted One Billion Tree Tsunami.
“If anything I’m not even suitable for the area. This topography needs more Zizyphus. They grow fast and more environment-friendly than us.”
Similarly, KP-based Phulai (Acacia Modesta) and Babul (Acacia Nilotica) groups have urged the government to plant more of their trees, unless they want the province to opt for a new government yet again.
Meanwhile, acres of barren land were seen chanting Jiye Bhutto on International Day of Forests, on March 21 in Tharkparkar.