Islamabad: In a step towards promoting environmental sustainability and access to education, the DICE Forum organised a tree plantation drive and the inauguration of the KITAB community school library project here on Wednesday.
Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik was the chief guest on the occasion. Ambassador of Bulgaria Mrs. Irena Gancheva, High Commissioner of South Africa, Mr. Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, wife of Ambassador of Zimbabwe Mrs. Nompumelelo Abu- Basutu IFWA president, Counsel General Ghana, Omer Shahid Butt , Honrary Counsel General of Kyrgyzstan, Kashif Mehar and Air Vice Marshal (r) Aftab Hussain, Director Sundas Foundation thalassemia center attended the event. Aqeel emphasised the need to integrate education, environmental stewardship and social responsibility as key pillars of national development.
He said such initiatives play an important role in shaping informed, responsible citizens and fully supported from the government. Referring to climate change, he noted that Pakistan remains among the countries most vulnerable to its impacts and stressed the need for sustained and practical action to address environmental challenges.
Chairperson of the DICE Forum Aliya Agha underscored Pakistan’s climate vulnerability, noting that forest cover remains below five per cent and continues to face pressure from population growth and resource use.
She said the plantation drive symbolised a commitment to environmental resilience, while the KITAB project aimed to promote reading culture and expand access to learning resources for underprivileged children.
Ambassador of Bulgaria Irena Gancheva highlighted the interconnected importance of knowledge, compassion and environmental protection. She appreciated the KITAB initiative, stressing the continued relevance of reading and education in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
Air Vice Marshal (r) Aftab Hussain said the initiative represented an investment in both environmental well-being and intellectual development.
