Massive tree plantation drives should be launched in all the provinces

• Pakistan is a beautiful country gifted with mountains, rivers, forests, wildlife, and fertile lands, but unfortunately, these blessings are now in danger because of our carelessness and lack of awareness
• Environmental clubs should be formed in every school and college. These clubs can organize clean-up drives, awareness walks, and contests to motivate students to take action

Jaweria Arshad | Rawalpindi

I am writing this letter as an 18-year-old student who is deeply worried about the condition of our environment. Every day, when I read the news or scroll through social media, I come across heartbreaking stories about climate change, pollution, and natural disasters. Although these issues are increasing rapidly, many people around us still do not understand how serious the situation has become. Pakistan is a beautiful country gifted with mountains, rivers, forests, and fertile lands, but unfortunately, these blessings are now in danger because of our carelessness and lack of awareness. As a young student, I feel it is my responsibility to raise my voice and encourage others to take action.

Pakistan has always been known for its natural landscapes, from the snowy peaks of the north to the peaceful coastal areas in the south. Our forests, deserts, lakes, and rivers give life to countless plants, animals, and human beings. However, due to harmful human activities such as cutting trees, burning waste, spreading pollution, and ignoring environmental laws, our natural beauty is disappearing rapidly. If we continue damaging our environment at this pace, the future of our country will be at serious risk.

One of the biggest environmental problems we face is deforestation. Trees are being cut down much faster than they are being planted. When forests disappear, birds, animals, and even insects lose their homes. Soil becomes weak, causing landslides, and the air becomes more polluted because there are fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide. Pakistan has already faced major disasters due to environmental negligence. The floods of 2010 were one of the worst in our history, affecting millions of families, destroying homes, crops, and livestock. Experts say that if deforestation continues, such disasters will become even more frequent and more dangerous.

Air pollution is another major threat. In cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Faisalabad, smog has become a normal part of winter. Many people, especially children and students, suffer from cough, asthma, headaches, and eye irritation during smog season. Vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, burning garbage, and using low-quality fuel are some of the main reasons behind this problem. According to international reports, Pakistan is among the top polluted countries in the world. It is sad to see that even the air we breathe has become harmful for our health.

Climate change is also affecting Pakistan in many ways. The weather has become unpredictable. Summers are getting hotter, winters are shorter, and rainfall patterns have changed completely. Farmers who depend on crops are facing huge losses because the weather no longer supports traditional farming methods. Scientists warn that by 2050, major crops like wheat could decrease by almost half, which means our country may face serious food shortages. Water scarcity is also becoming a growing problem because glaciers are melting and rainfall is irregular. If we do not act now, the next generations will struggle to find clean water, healthy food, and safe living conditions.

To save Green Pakistan, we need strong and immediate action. The government must strictly punish illegal tree cutting and encourage large-scale plantation campaigns. Projects similar to the Billion Tree Tsunami should be introduced in all provinces so that forests can grow again and wildlife can return. Clean and safe energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power should be promoted so that we can reduce pollution. Public transport should be improved so that fewer people rely on private vehicles, which will lower carbon emissions.

Read: Pakistan loses 11,000 hectares of forest annually

Climate-resilient buildings, stronger drainage systems, and flood protection walls must be built to prevent damage during natural disasters. Farmers should be trained in modern climate-smart farming so that they can grow crops even when weather conditions are unstable.

Awareness is the most important step. Schools and colleges should teach students about environmental protection through campaigns, tree plantation drives, cleanliness competitions, and awareness walks. Young people must understand that even small actions like planting a tree, saving water, reducing waste, and avoiding plastic can make a big difference.

Another important step to save our environment is proper waste management. In Pakistan, most people throw garbage on streets, in rivers, or burn it openly, which releases harmful chemicals into the air. Our cities lack proper recycling systems, and many people do not know the difference between recyclable and non-recyclable waste. To protect our environment, recycling plants should be established in all major cities, and awareness campaigns should teach citizens how to separate plastic, paper, glass, and organic waste. If waste is managed properly, pollution will decrease and our cities will become cleaner and healthier places to live.

Water wastage is another issue that needs immediate attention. Many people leave taps running, wash vehicles with excessive water, and use clean drinking water carelessly. Pakistan is already facing water scarcity, and experts warn that if we continue wasting water, our country may face a severe water crisis in the future. Students like me can help by encouraging families and friends to save water, fix leaks, and reuse rainwater for gardening and cleaning.

Another important point is the protection of wildlife. Many species in Pakistan are becoming endangered because their habitats are being destroyed. Illegal hunting and poaching also harm animals like snow leopards, ibex, and sea turtles. Strict laws should be implemented to protect wildlife, and special protected areas should be created where animals can live safely without human interference.

Environmental clubs should be formed in every school and college. These clubs can organize clean-up drives, awareness walks, and contests to motivate students to take action. Young people are the future of this country, and if we learn to respect nature today, we can save Pakistan’s environment tomorrow.

In the end, I want to say that Pakistan can still be saved if we work together. Every citizen must play their role, whether it is planting a tree, reducing pollution, saving water, or spreading awareness. Our environment is a gift, and we must protect it with responsibility and love.

Read: Pakistan’s Owls Face Population Decline

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Jaweria Arshad is a law student, based in Chaklala, Rawalpindi Punjab

The post Save the Nature, Save Pakistan first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

Tharparkar, Sindh — In Pakistan’s largest desert, the green sentinels that once anchored the sand dunes and sustained local livelihoods are being felled at an alarming rate. Environmentalists warn that unchecked deforestation is accelerating desertification, eroding biodiversity, and intensifying the impacts of climate change across Tharparkar. Local forest officials and environmental groups estimate that more than 60% of Tharparkar’s natural tree cover has disappeared over the past two decades, a stark measure of a landscape under steady assault. Reports indicate that up to 8,000–10,000 trees are illegally cut annually in Chhachhro, Dahli, and Nagarparkar talukas, while satellite imagery from 2000 to 2020 shows a 25% rise in barren and degraded land within the district.

Among the most affected species are the Kumbhat, known scientifically as Acacia senegal, Gugral or Commiphora mukul, Rohiro, which is Tecomella undulata, Neem, Azadirachta indica, and Kandi, Prosopis cineraria. These trees have long provided fodder, shade, and a bulwark against soil erosion. Their decline threatens livestock survival, water retention, and agricultural productivity in a region that is already drought-prone. A lingering, troubling pattern has emerged: a well-organized timber network operates across Thar, transporting chopped wood to urban markets such as Mithi, Umerkot, and Hyderabad, where it commands high prices as firewood and charcoal. Local activists say enforcement is weak, and the practice continues with little accountability.

Among the hardest hit is the Gugral, whose resin has long been valued for medicinal use. Rather than sustainable tapping, many Gugral trees are killed by incisions that burn deep into their trunks to extract resin, a practice activists say has fatally damaged thousands of trees since 2018. Some campaigners describe the distribution of responsibility for this destruction as a broader governance failure, with development ambitions often outpacing environmental safeguards. In this light, a 105-kilometer railway line upgrading connections from the Thar coalfield to Chhor is seen by many locals as a symbol of progress that may come at the cost of ecological displacement. Officials frame the project as a sign of national advancement, yet to those on the ground it feels like another thread in a web of land use changes that erode a community’s lifelines.

Scientists warn that if deforestation continues unchecked, Tharparkar could lose a further portion of its vegetative cover by 2030, a prospect that would intensify wind erosion, sand encroachment, and microclimate shifts, potentially reducing rainfall and pushing more families toward migration. The consequences ripple beyond the natural world to people who rely on these trees for fodder, shade, and soil stability. In the evenings, as the sun sinks toward the dunes, the silhouettes of stumps stand as silent witnesses to a desert sacrificed in the name of progress. Local growers urge decisive action from the Sindh government, calling for immediate enforcement of restrictions on tree cutting, stricter penalties for hazardous gum extraction, and the formation of community-based forest protection committees to monitor and report illegal felling. They also stress the need for investment in alternative energy sources to ease the pressure on firewood resources.

Tharparkar sits at a climate crossroads, where rising temperatures and erratic rainfall confront communities with a fragile balance between survival and sustainability. Trees here are not merely ecological assets; they are a shield against wind and heat, a source of fodder in lean years, and a link to livelihoods built over generations. Their loss, as some elders remind us, is not just a tree-count but a story of a land facing a slow, shared tragedy. If the current trajectory continues, the desert’s edge may advance further, and with it the lives of those who call Thar home. As one local elder put it, “Every conscientious person should be alarmed. If this continues, we won’t just lose trees we will lose Thar itself.”

Read: Mental Health Crises Hit Sindh Deserts

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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo, based in Umerkot, Sindh is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com 

The post Deforestation Accelerates Desertification in Thar first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Iqra Jokhio

Forests are often described as the lungs of the Earth, breathing life into the planet by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, regulating rainfall, and preserving biodiversity. However, in recent decades, deforestation has emerged as a major global threat, contributing massively to climate change. The rapid clearing of forests not only accelerates global warming but also leads to severe environmental imbalances. Among the nations facing serious consequences of deforestation, Pakistan stands out as a country where the issue has reached alarming levels.

The connection between deforestation and climate change is deeply rooted in science. Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, and store it within their trunks, branches, and roots. When forests are cleared or burned, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, increasing greenhouse gas levels and contributing to global warming. Deforestation disrupts rainfall patterns, increases the Earth’s surface temperature, and causes soil degradation, all of which amplify the devastating effects of climate change.

In Pakistan, the situation is particularly troubling. Once rich in forest resources, the country now struggles with one of the highest deforestation rates in Asia. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, only 4.8% of Pakistan’s land area is covered by forests—far below the global average of 25%. Every year, about 27,000 hectares of forest are lost, largely due to human activities such as illegal logging, urban expansion, and agricultural encroachment. One of the biggest reasons behind this massive deforestation is the overwhelming reliance on wood as a primary energy source. Approximately 72% of the population, especially in rural areas, uses wood for cooking and heating. In addition to that, the construction industry, furniture manufacturing, and commercial usage consume over 50 million cubic feet of wood annually, and the demand continues to rise as the population grows.

The consequences of deforestation in Pakistan are already visible and devastating. Flash floods, soil erosion, and landslides have become more frequent due to the absence of tree roots that once held the soil together and absorbed excess rainwater. The catastrophic floods of 2010 and 2022, which displaced millions of people and caused billions in damages, were intensified by deforestation. Climate change, fueled by the loss of tree cover, is causing erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, unseasonal rains, and extreme heat waves. Pakistan now ranks among the top ten countries most vulnerable to climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index.

In addition to environmental destruction, deforestation has led to the loss of wildlife habitats. Pakistan is home to many endangered species, such as the snow leopard, markhor, and Indus River dolphin, all of which face increasing threats due to shrinking forests. Urban areas like Karachi and Lahore have also felt the heat as the disappearance of green belts has led to rising temperatures, worsening the urban heat island effect. Water shortages are becoming more severe, as forests play a crucial role in maintaining groundwater levels and ensuring steady river flows. The quality of air has also declined, with dust storms and air pollution causing respiratory problems and other health issues, particularly among children and the elderly.

In recent years, the government of Pakistan made some commendable announcements like ‘The Billion Tree Tsunami Project’ in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the nationwide ‘Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Initiative’ but none of them implemented. In Sindh province also, the authorities claim planting millions of saplings every year, but with no results.

Read: Deforestation, poaching leave Pakistan’s wild parakeets on the brink

These efforts alone are not enough. There is a dire need for strict enforcement of environmental laws, sustainable forest management, and the promotion of alternative energy sources such as solar power, biogas, and wind energy. Raising awareness among the general public and involving local communities in conservation efforts is also essential for long-term success.

Deforestation is more than an environmental problem; it is a serious threat to our survival. The situation in Pakistan serves as a wake-up call for us to reflect on our actions and their consequences. We cannot afford to continue destroying forests without facing the repercussions. The Earth’s climate system is delicate, and every tree that falls pushes us closer to disaster. If we want a livable planet for ourselves and future generations, we must act now. Each one of us can contribute—by planting trees, reducing wood consumption, and supporting policies that protect our forests. Let us recognize that forests are not just natural resources but life-giving ecosystems that deserve our respect and protection. Together, we can still change the course of our future and restore the balance between nature and humanity.

Read: Sindh’s shrinking forests

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Iqra Jokhio is a 2^nd year student at Mass Communication Department, University of Karachi

The post Deforestation Causes Climate Disaster first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Human behavior is mostly to blame for their decline into locally endangered status, as local communities and others have engaged in poaching and trafficking of the prized birds, while also cutting down the old hollow trees where they nest
• The solution lies in a ‘strict’ ban on the poaching and smuggling of parakeets until their population recovers, according to Rab Nawaz of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan, who said that if these are contained, parakeet populations could recover in ‘a few years’

Aamir Latif

Islamabad

Pakistan’s wild parakeet populations are facing a severe crisis, with experts warning that the iconic birds could soon disappear from the country’s forests and plains altogether.

High demand for the illegal pet trade, coupled with gradual habitat loss, has led to a dramatic decline in parakeet numbers over the past decade, making them prime candidates for extinction in the years to come.

“The extent of the illegal trade of Parakeets is quite large in Pakistan because of their high demand for keeping them as pets, which leads the poachers to trap them from the wild in bulk quantities,” said Rab Nawaz, a senior official at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan.

Speaking to Anadolu, he said that over the past 10 years, the high demand for illegally traded wild parakeets has led to a significant decline in the numbers of the birds, once a common sight in the wild.

Echoing this, Anis Rehman, a wildlife expert based in the capital Islamabad, described the smuggling of parakeets as “massively rampant” — stretching across the border regions with India in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, or Azad Jammu and Kashmir, along with central and southern parts of Punjab province.

He said that parakeets captured in these areas are sold into the local and international pet markets for significant sums of money, including by local communities, which are actively participating in the poaching and trafficking,

Many leave their regular jobs during the peak season to capture and sell the birds, maintained Rehman.

Risk of extinction

Habitat loss is another major factor driving the parakeets’ decline. The birds rely on old, dead trees with hollows to build their nests, but these are often indiscriminately cut down by people unaware of their vital ecological role.

“Old dead trees are cut down as they are considered to be useless but people are unaware about their ecological importance as they provide nesting sites to many bird species including parakeets,” explained Mubeenullah Mobeen from the Himalayan Wildlife Foundation.

Pakistan is home to four parakeet species, with the Alexandrine parakeet being the most common. However, its population, along with those of its rose-ringed, slaty-headed, and plum-headed cousins have seen a steep plunge.

“Parakeets were once commonly found in large numbers in plains and mountainous regions of Punjab, Sindh and Azad Kashmir. But now, their population has reduced and their distribution is restricted to (a) few border areas only,” said Nawaz.

Nawaz noted that all four native species had become locally endangered, though no recent surveys have been conducted to estimate their exact population.

Rehman, who is also the founding chairman of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, warned that, barring serious efforts to recover the parakeet population, they would “soon” face imminent risk of extinction.

“The current number of parakeets is just a fragment. It is just a small percentage of the number of wild parrots we had about maybe 25-30 years ago,” he observed.

Experts warn that if urgent action is not taken to curb poaching and smuggling, as well as protect the parakeets’ dwindling habitats, the birds could soon vanish from the wild altogether.

“If we don’t do something now, the chances are that we will not find parakeets in the wild anymore,” cautioned Rehman.

Crucial for habitat

Highlighting the crucial role parakeets play in their ecosystems through seed dispersal and natural forest regeneration, the experts are calling for stringent measures against poaching and smuggling to recover their populations.

“Their droppings carry the seeds from one place to other, causing the natural spread of original forests,” Rehman said of the birds, which mainly eat wild fruits.

He warned that the extinction of the parakeets could leave “no natural forest spreading anymore” in the country.

For Nawaz, the solution lies in a “strict” ban on poaching and smuggling of parakeets until their population recovers.

“If the poaching pressure is contained, the (parakeet) population can be recovered in a few years,” he said.

Read: Climate change, fuel costs push Pakistan’s fishing industry into more choppy waters

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Aamir Latif is a Karachi-based senior journalist. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Posted on 08.08.2024) 

The post Deforestation, poaching leave Pakistan’s wild parakeets on the brink first appeared on Sindh Courier.

SHOUKAT LOHAR

Pakistan, like many other countries, is facing a myriad of environmental challenges that threaten the well-being of its people and ecosystems. The nation grapples with rising temperatures, torrential rains, devastating floods, and rampant deforestation. While the severity of these issues is becoming increasingly evident, the lack of education and awareness about environmental problems has hindered progress in finding sustainable solutions. Additionally, the inequality in addressing climate change between developed and developing countries raises questions about environmental justice. This article explores the pressing environmental challenges in Pakistan, the need for increased awareness, and the importance of global solidarity in tackling climate crises.

Temperature Rise, Torrential Rains, Floods, and Deforestation

Temperature Rise: Pakistan has experienced a significant increase in average temperatures over the past few decades. This rise in temperature is primarily attributed to greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. As a result, the country faces heatwaves, droughts, and adverse impacts on agriculture and water resources.

Torrential Rains and Floods: Changing climate patterns have also led to more intense and unpredictable rainfall events in Pakistan. These heavy downpours often result in destructive floods, causing loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and displacement of communities. Climate change exacerbates these disasters, making it crucial to invest in flood management and early warning systems.

Deforestation: Deforestation is a grave environmental concern in Pakistan. The clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and timber has significantly reduced forest cover. This loss of green spaces contributes to soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and exacerbates climate change by reducing carbon sequestration capacity.

Lack of Education and Awareness

Despite facing these environmental challenges, there is a lack of education and awareness among the general population about environmental issues. The education system in Pakistan often neglects to incorporate comprehensive environmental education in its curriculum. As a result, many citizens remain uninformed about the importance of conservation, sustainable practices, and the impact of human activities on the environment.

Ignorance and Climate Catastrophes

The consequences of ignoring climate change can be catastrophic. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, vulnerable communities in Pakistan bear the brunt of climate-related disasters. These events disrupt lives, damage infrastructure, and undermine food security. Lack of awareness and action also hinder efforts to adapt to changing climate conditions, making it difficult to build resilience against future climate challenges.

Environmental Justice and Global Responsibilities

The issue of environmental justice comes into play when considering the disparity in addressing climate change between developed and developing nations. Developed countries, historically the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, have contributed significantly to global warming. However, developing countries like Pakistan, despite having a lower carbon footprint, face disproportionate impacts due to their vulnerabilities and limited resources to cope with climate crises.

International financial institutions, like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), play a crucial role in supporting countries during disasters. Unfortunately, the assistance provided often comes with conditions that further exacerbate indebtedness, hindering a country’s capacity to invest in sustainable development and climate adaptation measures.

Mobility for Environmental Solutions

Addressing Pakistan’s environmental challenges requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. It is imperative to:

Promote Environmental Education: Integrating comprehensive environmental education into the national curriculum can raise awareness and empower citizens to become environmentally responsible.

Implement Sustainable Policies: The government must prioritize policies that encourage renewable energy adoption, afforestation, and sustainable land-use practices to mitigate climate change impacts.

Foster Global Cooperation: Developed countries must take responsibility for their historical contributions to climate change and provide financial and technological support to developing nations like Pakistan in their climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Empower Vulnerable Communities: Efforts should focus on empowering vulnerable communities to withstand climate shocks and build resilience through localized solutions and access to resources.

Conclusion

Pakistan is facing severe environmental challenges that demand immediate attention and action. Rising temperatures, torrential rains, floods, and deforestation pose significant threats to the nation’s well-being and its ecosystems. Overcoming these challenges requires educating the public about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, developed nations must take responsibility for their actions and support the developing world in addressing climate change through environmental justice and fair international cooperation. By mobilizing efforts and fostering global solidarity, we can strive towards a more sustainable and resilient future for Pakistan and the planet as a whole.

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Shoukat Lohar is Assistant professor in English at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro. He can be reached at Shoukat.ali@faculty.muet.edu.pk

The post Addressing Environmental Challenges and Denial of Justice first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Global warming is increasing day by day because of the continuous increase in the levels of greenhouse gasses. Such gases have tendency to trap heat from many sources like sun, electricity, burning coal, burning fuels, etc. and prevent them to escape back to the atmosphere. Thus, the collective effect of all the greenhouse gases increases temperature on the earth and gives rise to many dangerous problems. Earlier, the earth was so cool and every natural cycles were going timely however nowadays lots of dramatic fluctuations in the weather, climate, temperature, health, etc. take place. A vast increase in the temperature, sea level, and weather patterns has been seen clearly in last few decades.

All the changes because of the ever increasing global warming are not a coincidence. It is caused by the human activities and technological advancement. A little fluctuation in the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide may cause high level effect on the global temperature. The continuous rise in the percentage of atmospheric carbon dioxide is alarming us by its dangerous effects however we are still ignoring. Increasing need of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and gasoline) by the people of industrial civilization is paving the way for rise in carbon dioxide emissions.

Deforestation is also causing increase in the carbon dioxide through decreasing number of plants and exposing soil to the sunlight. Trees are best source to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere however what happen if we finish the main source of reducing CO2 level. Our malpractices just to live luxurious life on daily basis are hugely altering the environment as well as endangering the lives of people in return. A little rise in the level of greenhouse gases may hugely affect the global warming.

The use of a chemical called chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) in the refrigerators, aerosol spray propellants are continuously damaging the ozone layer thus increasing the chance of heat to remain on the earth by preventing them to escape back out to the environmental surface. Destruction of ozone layer increases the incidence of many health disorders and diseases such as skin cancer, respiratory disease, low immunity problems, etc. Global warming is damaging seasonal crops and marine food channel web, etc. It has affected the weather patterns (summer season has increased and winter season has decreased) and climate because of the increasing temperature and heat of the earth atmosphere.

Parveen Abro

Karachi Sindh  

The post Causes and Effects of Global Warming first appeared on Sindh Courier.