Sukkur Sets Green Example with AI-Powered Plantation Campaign

SUKKUR: Mayor Sukkur and Spokesperson for the Government of Sindh, Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh, has said that environmental protection and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are no longer the responsibility of individual cities or countries, but a collective obligation of humanity. He recalled that in 2015, nations worldwide committed on the United Nations platform to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, yet last year the world recorded its hottest day, underscoring the urgency of climate action.

Addressing the launch ceremony of Pakistan’s first AI- and digital-technology-integrated plantation campaign, “Mission Green Sukkur,” at Jinnah Municipal Stadium, the Mayor said that for cities like Sukkur—where summer temperatures often approach 50 degrees Celsius—plantation is no longer symbolic but essential for survival.

Under the first phase of Mission Green Sukkur, plantation of 500,000 trees has been initiated as part of a 300-day uninterrupted climate action program. Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh said the initiative goes beyond tree planting and aims to establish a sustainable environmental system. The campaign includes the development of 20 new parks, green belts along major roads and highways, and plantation in residential areas to improve air quality and urban livability.

He emphasized that public participation, use of modern technology, and continuous monitoring are central to the mission’s success. Citizens can participate through a mobile application, name trees after loved ones, and track plantation activities digitally. While those who can afford saplings are encouraged to contribute, 500,000 saplings are being provided free of cost for others.

The Mayor described the initiative as both an act of social responsibility and Sadaqah Jariyah, calling it a meaningful response to climate challenges. Incentives, including cash prizes, electric bikes for women, and laptops for students, have been announced to encourage participation.

Commissioner Sukkur Division Abid Saleem Qureshi, who co-chaired the event, termed the initiative a valuable addition to existing government plantation efforts and stressed the need to protect trees and raise public awareness.

A large and diverse gathering representing government institutions, civil society, religious communities, women, youth, and political parties attended the event, reinforcing the message that environmental protection is a shared national cause.