In response to the illegal felling of 40 trees at the Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre, Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali has committed to a massive reforestation drive, announcing that 10,000 new saplings will be planted throughout the campus this year.
The Vice Chancellor inaugurated the new campaign on Friday by planting a guava tree at the centre, the site of the recent tree cutting. The initiative began with 180 guava trees being sown in the ground of the Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre by university officials, according to the university report today.
Attending the event were Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalid Mahmood, the newly appointed acting director Professor Dr. Samina Sadia, Director General Dr. Rehan Sadiq, and Resident Officer-II Dr. Abdul Majid Khan, among other administrative staff.
Dr. Ali stated that the unlawful cutting of trees was a “deeply regrettable” act and represented a loss that could not be immediately compensated. He has directed that over 1,000 trees of various species are to be added to the grounds of the centre in the coming days.
Addressing the attendees, the Vice Chancellor issued strict instructions to the relevant officers to ensure the diligent care and protection of the newly planted flora. He affirmed that the administration would guarantee “at all costs” that no tree is cut without prior approval from the necessary authorities.
Dr. Ali referred to the university as the “lungs of Lahore” and reiterated that the 10,000-tree pledge is a core part of the institution”s annual plantation campaign.