Gilgit, February 11: Caretaker Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Justice (R) Yar Muhammad on Wednesday formally inaugurated the Spring Tree Plantation Campaign 2026 at the Forest Complex, reaffirming the governmentโs commitment to tackling climate change and restoring forest cover across the region.
Addressing the ceremony organized by the Department of Forests and Wildlife, the Chief Minister said coordinated and effective measures would be adopted to make the province greener and resilient against climate challenges. He noted that deforestation in areas including Chilas had increased risks of floods and river erosion, stressing that glacier melting due to climate change remains a serious concern.
He announced plans for an effective monitoring mechanism, fresh legislation for forest protection, and hinted at establishing an independent forum to ensure transparency. He also emphasized the need for a dedicated forest force to overcome resource constraints.
Forest Secretary Syed Waheed Shah said the campaign is part of the upscaled Green Pakistan Programme. So far, 35 million saplings have been distributed, while a target of 3.5 million forest and fruit plants has been set for the current drive across all ten districts of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Forest Minister Hafiz Sharaful Din termed global warming a challenge more serious than terrorism and called for collective efforts. Chief Conservator Forest Mahmood Ghaznavi described the initiative as a province-wide public movement. Senior officials also planted saplings at the ceremony.
SCO Briefs Caretaker CM on 4G Upgrade, IT Vision 2025 Projects
Separately, Sector Commander SCO Colonel Muhammad Kashif Iqbal called on the Caretaker Chief Minister and briefed him on ongoing infrastructure and digital development initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The SCO informed that SCOM 4G services are being upgraded with the installation of 22 new 4G towers to significantly improve connectivity in urban areas. Under SCO IT Vision 2025, Software Technology Parks and Freelancing Hubs have been established across the region, creating employment and modern IT opportunities for youth, including women.
The Chief Minister appreciated SCOโs role in maintaining uninterrupted 4G services during recent earthquake rescue and relief operations in Chapursan and for extending modern telecom facilities to remote areas.
Women and Youth Minister Joins Plantation Campaign
Meanwhile, the Minister for Women and Youth Affairs also planted a sapling to mark her participation in the campaign. She urged youth and women to actively contribute to the Green Initiative, emphasizing that environmental protection is the need of the hour and essential for a sustainable future.
