Islamabad:"Grow more trees" should not remain a mere slogan rather it must become a public policy, a personal passion, a hobby and a shared responsibility of people across the globe -- from Greenland to Antarctica and from Japan to Burkina Faso and Costa Rica. Increasing tree cover is essential to combating global warming, climate change, food insecurity and drought.
The significance of tree plantation is beautifully reflected in a saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who advised that if a person is planting a tree and the Day of Judgment arrives, he should continue planting it until the very end. Few expressions could better underscore the value of greenery, vegetation and environmental stewardship.
The word ‘POLICE’ is often said to represent qualities expected of law enforcement officers -- polite, obedient, loyal, intelligent, cooperative and efficient. Whether these attributes are consistently reflected in public perception is a matter of debate. However, a recent initiative by the police in Faisalabad offers a refreshing example of positive community engagement.
According to a report shared by a friend serving in the police department, Faisalabad City Police Officer (CPO) Tanveer Hussain ordered the reinstatement of 27 suspended police officials on the condition that each officer plant ten trees in his respective area and submit photographic evidence to the CPO office.
The initiative deserves appreciation, but its success will depend on more than simply planting saplings. Authorities should also ensure that the officers take responsibility for nurturing and protecting the trees until they become self-sustaining.
Experience shows that many plantation campaigns generate impressive headlines, with hundreds or even thousands of saplings planted. Yet a visit to the same locations a year or two later often reveals that most of the trees have vanished due to neglect, poor maintenance or other factors. Against this backdrop, requiring disciplinary offenders to plant trees transforms a punitive measure into a constructive and socially beneficial act.
As a society, we must move beyond ceremonial plantation drives and cultivate a culture of responsibility toward trees. Planting a sapling is only the first step; ensuring its survival through proper care during the first two to three years is equally important. Only then can we achieve genuine sustainability and protect our ecosystem for future generations.
