ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan today (Monday) inaugurated “the world’s biggest” Miyawaki urban forest in Lahore, saying the nation should strive to leave “a better Pakistan” for future generations.
“This Miyawaki forest will absorb carbon emissions at a faster pace which in turn will considerably reduce the impact of emissions on the environment,” the Prime Minister said while speaking on the occasion.
PM Imran noted that a mere 640 million trees were planted across the country since independence till 2013. “However, from 2013 to 2018 we planted one billion trees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone,” the Prime Minister added.
He recalled that Lahore used to be one of the cleanest cities of the country, but had now become Pakistan’s most polluted city. “What we have now done is the beginning. Miyawaki is the world’s biggest forest and we dedicate it to Miyawaki, the professor of Japan who died last month,” he added.
The premier regretted that a report by the world’s top scientists released today highlighted blatant “wastage” of natural resources by humans. “The report indicates that the sea level has risen to a point of no return, and that citizens must take immediate steps to prevent further damage due to climate change,” he added.
The premier also urged every citizen of Pakistan to plant a tree each. “We must ensure upkeep of trees that we plant. All citizens especially students should strive for the country’s future in this regard,” he added.
The Miyawaki forest, initiated under the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami project, has been developed on over 100 kanals and will feature around 165,000 plants that will grow 10 times quicker than in a normal forest owing to the unique Miyawaki technique.
The method uses specialised land preparation as well as indigenous varieties with varying growth rates to produce fast growing urban forests. Another 53 Miyawaki forests are being developed in different parts of Lahore to create sinks for carbon as well as for better pollution abatement in the city.
