PESHAWAR – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched a province-wide campaign to protect endangered birds in KP by restoring their natural habitats through large-scale plantation of fruit-bearing and indigenous trees.
The move comes amid growing concern over the disappearance of native bird species due to rapid urbanization, habitat destruction, and environmental degradation.
Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, said that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has officially directed all administrative secretaries, commissioners, and deputy commissioners to initiate tree plantation efforts without delay. These efforts will begin in government offices, residential colonies, and other public areas to make the environment more welcoming for local wildlife, particularly bird species on the verge of extinction.
“The Chief Minister has expressed deep concern over the decline in rare bird species, including the bulbul, myna, and hoopoe,” Barrister Saif stated. He noted that the primary reason behind the disappearance of these birds is the loss of fruit-bearing trees, which provide both food and shelter. As a result, many endangered birds in KP have migrated or vanished altogether.
To address this, all provincial departments have been instructed to participate in a monsoon tree plantation drive, with a focus on using medium-sized saplings to ensure better growth and survival. The plantation will give preference to local and native tree species, which are more suitable to the region’s climate and ecosystem.
Saif added that the campaign will be carried out on a self-help basis.
“Each department is responsible for preparing and submitting a detailed report on the number and type of trees planted,” he said. ” This is not just a campaign, but a collective mission to revive our natural environment and safeguard biodiversity.” He further appealed to all public institutions to take part in the drive with urgency and commitment. The initiative aims to create a healthier environment while providing critical support for the survival of endangered birds in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The provincial government believes this step will significantly contribute to environmental restoration and serve as a model for biodiversity conservation across Pakistan.
