Islamabad: Pakistan is facing an alarming rate of deforestation, losing approximately 11,000 hectares of forest every year, raising concerns over climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental sustainability.
According to recent reports, rapid urbanization, illegal logging, and agricultural expansion are the primary causes behind this depletion. The country’s forest cover has already shrunk to less than 5% of its total land area, far below the recommended 25% by global environmental standards.
Experts warn that continued deforestation could lead to severe consequences, including increased air pollution, declining wildlife habitats, and rising temperatures. Pakistan, already among the top 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change, risks exacerbating natural disasters such as floods and droughts due to reduced tree cover.
Despite government-led afforestation initiatives like the Billion Tree Tsunami and the Ten Billion Tree Plantation Program, deforestation remains a pressing issue. Environmentalists emphasize the urgent need for stricter forest protection laws, afforestation projects, and community involvement to combat this crisis effectively.
With climate change posing an ever-growing threat, experts urge immediate action to preserve Pakistan’s remaining forests before it’s too late.
