To combat climate change, Zong 4G of China Mobile Communications Corporation, has initiated a tree plantation drive in collaboration with Hands to develop an urban forest in Lahore.
Recently, Lahore city has been rated one of the most polluted cities in the world and the trees are expected to remove air pollution by absorbing gaseous pollutants through the leaf stomas.
In this regard, Zong 4G’s volunteers have stepped up to plant more than 700 evergreen and fruit trees in the Wildlife Park as part of the company’s commitment to creating a greener and safer environment for future generations of the country. The plantation campaign aims to develop urban forests to fight the ongoing environmental concern of smog and climate changes that have impacted Lahore.
The plantation drive was attended by Rana Shahid Tabasum, Divisional Forest Officer, Lahore, Amir Naseem, Executive Manager, Central Punjab, HANDS, Zong 4G volunteers; and other representatives of government departments.
Pakistan has been hit hard by the worst effects of climate change, including rapidly rising temperatures and, most recently, widespread flooding. One of the first lines of defense against the climate crisis is the planting of trees, especially native trees.
“As a responsible corporate citizen of Pakistan, Zong 4G is committed to helping advance the country’s Sustainability Development Goals,” said a spokesperson of Zong 4G, adding, “The tree plantation drive is one facet of our mission to help bring about an environmentally sustainable Pakistan and a better-shaped future that makes a difference in people’s lives, communities, and on our planet.”
Commenting on the partnership, Amir Naseem, Executive Manager, Central Punjab, HANDS said, “Pakistan is in dire need of environmental sustainability efforts. We thank Pakistan’s leading telecom company, Zong 4G, for sharing our vision to help protect and save the environment. Through consistent and sustained efforts, we can help fight climate change.”
Zong 4G and Hands have also partnered with the Parks & Horticulture Authority Multan to develop an urban forest in the Aam Khas Bagh. Earlier this month, both partners successfully planted over 700 trees including Tabebuia Yellow, Sukhchain, Terminalia, Amaltas, Guava, and Lemon, along with eight other types of trees in the city.
