Gilgit: The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), in collaboration with the Secretariat of Higher, Technical & Special Education, formally launched its Spring Plantation Drive at Ruth Pfau Government Girls Inter College Sultanabad, Gilgit.
The inauguration drive was organised under the European Union-funded Energy Plus Project, which promotes sustainable environmental practices and the adoption of clean energy solutions in the region.
Secretary Fareed Ahmad inaugurated the drive. Addressing the ceremony, he highlighted the critical importance of afforestation in countering the growing impacts of climate change. He noted that climate change has severely affected Gilgit-Baltistan, with rising temperatures, glacial melt and increasing environmental degradation posing serious challenges to the region. He stressed the need for large-scale plantation initiatives to restore ecological balance and safeguard natural resources for future generations.
Speaking at the event, AKRSP Regional Programme Manager Yasmeen Qalandar underscored the organisationβs long-standing commitment to environmental conservation. She shared that AKRSP plans to plant more than one million trees in 2026 alone. Since its inception, AKRSP has planted over 51 million trees across its programme areas, significantly contributing to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Programme Manager Special Projects, Mr Sadaqat Hussain, encouraged students to actively participate in environmental protection efforts. He urged each student to plant at least one tree and take responsibility for nurturing it, describing plantation as a meaningful contribution towards a greener future.
A painting competition was also organised for students, focusing on themes related to afforestation and climate change. The activity provided an opportunity for young participants to creatively express their understanding of environmental protection and the importance of preserving natural resources.
