ISLAMABAD IRFAN UL HAQ
Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, attended a ceremony organized by Beaconhouse as the chief guest on Thursday, marking the inauguration of Meco Garden. The event was attended by a large number of participants, including Member of the National Assembly Zahra Fatima, Beaconhouse School System’s Executive Director Nasir Qasuri and Ali Qasuri, CDA’s Director General Environment, senior officers of CDA, teachers and students. The inauguration of Meco Garden also kick started the tree plantation campaign under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CDA and Beaconhouse Education System to promote afforestation and environment sustainability in Islamabad. The ceremony began with Chairman CDA and the Executive Director of Beaconhouse Education System planting trees at Meco Garden, F-9 Park.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhwa said that this environmentally friendly initiative, supported by Beaconhouse, aligns perfectly with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He urged citizens and students to plant environmentally friendly trees and ensure their protection as well. He emphasized that if all educational institutions in Islamabad participate in the ongoing tree plantation campaign, we can make Islamabad an even greener more vibrant and beautiful city.
Chairman CDA suggested that educational institutions should incorporate tree plantation into academic activities and allocate special marks or grading system to encourage student participation. He said that the goal of the “One Tree, One Daughter” campaign is not only to plant trees but also to provide daughters with the opportunity to lead this initiative with dignity.
Chairman CDA called on the private sector, civil society and corporate sector to join hands with CDA in making the Capital greener and more prosperous. He mentioned that CDA officials and participants of the tree plantation campaign are using GIS technology to monitor the locations of the trees and ensure their upkeep. He added that this event reflects the mutual cooperation and shared goal between CDA and Beaconhouse School System to make Islamabad as green, lush and beautiful as possible.
During the event, Member of the National Assembly Zahra Fatima highlighted the importance and objectives of the “One Tree, One Daughter” campaign in line with the Prime Minister’s vision. She said that the campaign truly reflects the dignified role of women in society and their contribution to improving the environment. In this connection, a committee comprising individuals from various walks of life was formed to ensure the effective implementation of the “One Tree, One Daughter” campaign. MNA Zahra Fatima announced that all Pakistanis including diplomats would be invited to become part of the campaign. She further mentioned that legislation to completely ban tree cutting and regulate unauthorized tree cutting is being expedited and comprehensive measures are being taken to raise public awareness and protect trees.
Executive Director of Beaconhouse School System, Nasir Qasuri, expressed gratitude to Chairman CDA for his unwavering support and said that this initiative would play a crucial role in highlighting the importance of green areas in Islamabad and promoting environmental protection and sustainability. He mentioned that under the MoU with CDA, Beaconhouse has set a target to plant 5,000 trees in Islamabad. He emphasized the deep connection between education and environmentally friendly tree plantation.
At the end of the ceremony, Beaconhouse presented souvenirs to the guests and a “Plantation Pledge Wall” was signed, where participants committed to planting as many trees as possible and ensuring their support and protection of the environment.
