500,000-tree plantation drive kicks off in Margalla Hills

The campaign is in line with Punjab CM’s ‘Green Punjab’ vision

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Web Desk February 17, 2026 2 min read

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A comprehensive spring tree plantation drive has been launched to preserve and restore the natural ecosystem of the Margalla Hills region. The initiative sets a target of planting 500,000 saplings during 2026, reinforcing the commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological rehabilitation.

In line with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s ‘Green Punjab’ vision and the broader ‘Plant for Pakistan’ initiative, the large-scale plantation campaign focuses on restoring forest areas adversely affected by stone crushing activities and environmental degradation. The initiative is a collaborative effort of Faisal Town Group, the Punjab government and the Punjab Forest Department.

Environmental experts stress that structured afforestation efforts of this magnitude are essential to combat rising pollution levels, smog, biodiversity loss and the escalating impacts of climate change.

Read: Punjab launches massive afforestation, eco-tourism drive under CM’s directives

The group chairman, Chaudhry Abdul Majeed, reaffirmed his enduring commitment to environmental preservation and responsible development. He stated that sustainable growth remains a core pillar of Faisal Town Group’s philosophy and that environmental conservation is being institutionalised across all ongoing and future projects. He stressed that development and ecological balance must move forward together, ensuring long-term ecological resilience.

The plantation drive was formally launched at Faisal Hills and witnessed participation from representatives of public and private sector institutions, environmental stakeholders, students, and local residents. Hundreds of saplings were planted in designated areas as part of a forest restoration plan for the region.

The group’s director, Chaudhry Zohair Majeed, said that the policy of planting one tree for every kanal developed by Faisal Town Group was embedded within the Vision 2040 framework as a measurable sustainability commitment. “Our expansion strategy is consciously linked with environmental accountability, ensuring that each phase of development contributes to mass forestation and structured green infrastructure planning,” he added.

Chief Conservator of Forests Iftikharul Hassan Farooqi said that partnerships with responsible corporate entities such as Faisal Town Group are instrumental in translating the ‘Green Punjab’ vision into practical implementation, particularly in rehabilitating affected forest areas of the Margalla Hills.

Majeed stressed that beyond plantation targets, Faisal Town Group is implementing structured monitoring mechanisms to ensure the survival, growth, and maintenance of newly planted trees. He added that dedicated environmental management teams will oversee plantation zones, protection measures, and long-term green area development across projects. He further said that sustainability is not a one-day campaign but an operational commitment embedded into execution, compliance, and future expansion planning.

Campaign participants pledged to continue the plantation drive in the coming months alongside protection, monitoring, and maintenance measures to ensure the long-term survival of trees.