KARACHI: A plantation drive was organised in front of Darsgah-e-Khursheed Secondary School in collaboration with Green Minds Pakistan to mark Independence Day. Students from each class planted a sapling and pledged not only to plant trees but also to take responsibility for their care and protection.
The students vowed that they would not abandon the plants after planting them, but would regularly water them and ensure their proper growth. They also appealed to residents of the neighbourhood to recognise the seriousness of environmental challenges and the importance of plantation and plant more trees in their surroundings.
School Administrator Ubaid-ur-Rehman said that given Karachi’s extreme heat, it had become essential to increase plantation in schools, neighbourhoods and homes to improve the environment. He said that greater greenery would have positive effects not only on physical health but also on mental well-being.
Speaking to the students, Green Minds Pakistan Lead Trainer Abdul Wali Khan said that plantation was not merely a need of the present age, but its importance was also reflected in the teachings of Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He described planting trees as an excellent form of Sadaqah-e-Jariyah (ongoing charity).
He stressed that planting new saplings alone was not enough, adding that caring for existing plants was equally important so that the trees and greenery already present could continue to contribute to a healthier environment.
The teachers also emphasised the need to make plantation a regular and permanent school activity.
A large number of students said it was the first time they had planted a sapling themselves and described the experience as highly rewarding. They expressed their determination to continue the practice and spread the message of environmental responsibility among others.
