Shahida calls for Global Tree Plantation Day to celebrate peace, restore environment

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Jun, 2026) Shahida Kausar Farooq, a renowned environmentalist and Chairperson of Subh-e-Nau, an organization working for environmental protection and public health, has welcomed the recent understanding and ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing it as a triumph of diplomacy over conflict and an opportunity to advance global environmental stewardship.

In a statement on Monday, Mrs. Farooq appealed to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to take the lead in proposing a Global Tree Plantation Day for Peace and the Environment, to be observed annually by nations around the world in commemoration of the spirit of dialogue, understanding, and peaceful conflict resolution.

She said that armed conflicts inflict immense damage on the global environment through destruction of forests, contamination of water resources, loss of biodiversity, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and long-term public health consequences. While wars leave scars on landscapes and communities, peace creates opportunities for ecological restoration and sustainable development.

“The recent ceasefire demonstrates that dialogue can prevail over confrontation,” she said. “The world should seize this moment to send a powerful message that every step toward peace must also be a step toward healing our planet.”

She proposed that Pakistan initiated a diplomatic effort at international forums, including the United Nations, calling upon all countries to observe a special annual Global Tree Plantation Day for Peace, during which governments, international organizations, armed forces, educational institutions, civil society groups, businesses, and citizens collectively plant trees and undertake environmental restoration activities.

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According to Mrs. Farooq, such a worldwide observance would transform a historic diplomatic breakthrough into a lasting environmental legacy. Millions of trees planted across continents would help absorb carbon emissions, combat climate change, restore degraded ecosystems, improve air quality, conserve biodiversity, and promote public health.

“Peace and environmental protection are inseparable,” she said. “Just as conflicts cross borders, so do climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Our response must therefore be global. Let every nation plant trees in celebration of peace, reconciliation, and humanity’s shared responsibility to safeguard the Earth.”

Mrs. Farooq emphasized that Pakistan played an important role in promoting dialogue and regional stability, is well positioned to champion this initiative and mobilize international support for a worldwide movement linking peace-building with environmental restoration.

She concluded by expressing hope that world leaders would embrace the proposal and transform the ceasefire into a global green legacy.