Qudsia Bano

The federal government has launched the Rs122.15 billion Green Pakistan Programme, a major national initiative aimed at expanding forest cover, restoring rangelands, strengthening biodiversity conservation and creating green employment opportunities across the country. According to the Monthly Development Update for November 2025 issued by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, the programme has been formally approved and is expected to be completed by 2028.

The report states that the Green Pakistan Programme has been designed as a comprehensive effort to address environmental degradation and strengthen long-term climate resilience. It includes interventions for restoring forest ecosystems, enhancing rangelands, improving wildfire management systems and promoting sustainable forest resource utilisation. The project aligns with Pakistan’s climate commitments and is expected to support the country’s transition toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient and inclusive green economy.

According to the document, the programme will support large-scale reforestation across multiple ecological zones and expand protected areas where required. It includes measures to tackle land degradation, promote soil conservation and improve natural resource management. Key activities include improving the health of existing forests, establishing new plantations, facilitating natural regeneration and conserving biodiversity through targeted actions.

The report highlights that the programme focuses on strengthening wildfire prevention and response systems by upgrading detection mechanisms, improving emergency preparedness and enhancing the capacity of provincial forest departments to deal with climate-induced environmental risks. The initiative also seeks to support sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities by promoting non-timber forest products, encouraging eco-friendly income-generating activities and improving market access for forest-based goods.

The Monthly Development Update notes that the programme includes a strong community engagement component to ensure local participation in conservation and restoration efforts. By involving communities in the planning and implementation process, the initiative aims to foster ownership and ensure long-term sustainability. The project will also introduce modern monitoring tools and digital systems to track progress and enable transparent, data-driven implementation.

The report states that the programme will generate green jobs through forestry operations, nursery development, plantation campaigns, ecosystem restoration work and related management tasks. These employment opportunities are expected to benefit rural communities and contribute to income generation in areas with limited economic options. The job creation element aligns with national development priorities and the government’s strategy to promote inclusive and sustainable growth.

The Planning Ministry notes that the Green Pakistan Programme forms part of a broader set of climate and environmental initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s adaptive capacity. It also supports Pakistan’s commitments under global climate agreements, including obligations to improve land management and reduce emissions through ecosystem restoration.

The Ministry emphasises that the programme is expected to deliver long-term environmental, social and economic benefits through improved ecological health, enhanced groundwater recharge, reduced soil erosion and stronger climate resilience. According to the Monthly Development Update, the government views the programme as a critical step toward reversing environmental degradation and building a foundation for sustainable development.

The initiative complements national efforts to improve water availability, strengthen food systems and promote renewable energy. Implementation will be carried out in coordination with provincial forest departments, development partners and relevant government agencies, with oversight from the Ministry of Planning. The report concludes that the launch of the Rs122.15 billion Green Pakistan Programme demonstrates the government’s growing focus on environmental restoration and climate adaptation.

By prioritising large-scale forest and rangeland restoration, improving resource management and expanding green employment, the programme aims to support stronger climate resilience and improved environmental sustainability across Pakistan.

Credit: INP-WealthPk