Experts advocate resilient Neem plantations to ease Pakistan’s climate stress

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Apr, 2026) Climate experts are strongly advocating a shift toward planting indigenous trees, especially Neem, this plantation season, as Pakistan faces rising heat, worsening air quality, and increasing climate stress.

Talking to APP, Hamid Nazir Daula, a researcher at the University of Toronto, said that with its resilience, low water needs, and natural cooling effect, the tree is being highlighted as a practical, sustainable solution to help protect communities and restore degraded environments.

Sajida, a government school teacher and resident of Islamabad, said that a Neem tree in her home garden has proven to be a valuable asset, especially during the summer, as it provides natural cooling. She added that the Neem tree offers numerous environmental and health benefits, including air purification and shade. She also noted that its flowers have a pleasant fragrance, which enhances the overall atmosphere of the surroundings.

Neem (Azadirachta indica), along with locally known varieties such as Dharek and Bakain, are indigenous trees valued for their resilience and environmental benefits.

A resident of F-6 Sidra said that Islamabad once had many Dharek trees that provided shade in summer. She said planting more such trees can help reduce heatwaves and urged planting a tree when building a home.

Fukraj, a mother, highlighted the traditional attachment of people of the subcontinent with Neem, especially women, for its countless benefits. She said Neem oil works as a mosquito repellent and helps prevent diseases like malaria and dengue.

Experts said plantation campaigns should focus on indigenous and climate-resilient species, especially Neem. They said it is drought-tolerant, needs little maintenance, absorbs carbon dioxide, and helps reduce air pollution by filtering dust.

Hafsa Bashir, Environmental Specialist at Asian Advisory Services (Pvt.) Limited, said plantation efforts often focus on numbers rather than impact. She said planting indigenous trees like Neem can improve climate response if done properly.

She said plantation drives focus on how many trees are planted rather than how many survive, adding that selecting the right species is more important.

Hafsa said in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Swat and Dir, indigenous trees planted under the billion Tree Tsunami have helped reduce soil erosion and support ecosystems. However, she said poor species selection in other areas has caused issues.

In Punjab, large-scale eucalyptus plantations have increased pressure on groundwater, while in Sindh, some species did not survive.

Pakistan has seen more frequent and intense heatwaves, with temperatures in some areas nearing 50°C. The 2015 heatwave in Karachi caused over 1,200 deaths. Experts said Neem provides shade, supports biodiversity, and helps improve air quality.

Maryam Abbasi, a PhD scholar at the University of Vermont, said indigenous trees help reduce temperature and support biodiversity. She said Neem helps regulate temperature and improve ecosystem health, adding that it also has cultural and medicinal uses.

In urban areas, experts said Neem can be planted along roads, in school grounds, and residential spaces where it provides shade and helps lower surrounding temperatures. Compared to fast-growing imported species, Neem requires less water and has a higher survival rate in local conditions.

Its dense canopy reduces surface heat, while its leaves filter dust and improve air quality in congested areas. Experts added that increasing urban tree cover can help address rising temperatures linked to rapid urbanisation and limited green spaces, making Neem a suitable option for long-term plantation planning.

Hamid Nazir Daula said Neem trees are suitable for Pakistan’s climate and can be planted during the monsoon season for better growth. He said with proper care, including compost, watering, and protection in the early stages, these trees can grow and help reduce urban heat.

Pakistan’s forest cover is about 5–6 per cent and is under pressure from deforestation driven by population growth, timber extraction, and flood-related land degradation, while heatwaves are increasing.

Under the Spring Tree Plantation Campaign 2026 in Islamabad, CDA plans to increase green cover by planting trees in parks, green belts, highways, and public spaces. The campaign involves civil society, educational institutions, media, and the public. One million saplings have been planted so far, with a focus on their protection and maintenance.

Planting more indigenous trees like Neem can help reduce heat stress and improve urban environments. Experts’ advocacy for expanding Neem cover reflects a practical and urgent step toward climate resilience in Pakistan, as rising temperatures and shrinking green spaces continue to intensify urban heat across cities.