Pakistan needs more trees.

[ghazi52]

Trees per person in South Asia (2015)
Sri Lanka 118
India 28
Afghanistan 12
Bangladesh 6
Pakistan 5

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/world/tree-density/ …

Islamabad: Pakistan aims to plant 100 million trees across the country over the next five years, to cope with rising environmental threats and depleting water resources in the country, officials say.

The 100 million saplings would be planted under the Green Pakistan Programme (GPP).

Around 3.6 billion rupees (Dh120 million) has been budgeted for the forest and wildlife policy over five years, from 2016 to 2021, the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change was informed.

The woodlands will help reduce flooding, cut air pollution levels, and contribute to food production, the officials said.

The livelihoods of millions will also be improved through the project, which is expected create a new habitat for wildlife and boost climate change defences.

“At least 707 million trees have been planted in the four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas between 2011 and 2016,” inspector-general for forests Mahmoud Nasir said.

Briefing the committee, he said trees would be planted alongside roads and canals, while mangrove forests would also be increased.

Pakistan has approved a standard definition of forests and it was now agreed that a plant which is at least three metres high is to be considered a tree, Nasir said.

He said monitoring forests is a complex matter as each province follows different standards.

However, Pakistan will soon introduce a national forest monitoring system.

The Committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of Senator Mir Yusuf Badini and was attended by Barrister Ali Saif, Nusrat Sadiq, Gul Bushra, Saleem Zia, Ahmad Hassan and Mushahid Hussain Syed as well as Khizar Hayat Khan, secretary ministry of climate change, and Farzana Altaf Shah, director general of Pak-EPA.

The committee was briefed on the Green Climate Fund (GCF) which is a fund within the framework of UNFCCC, to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.

Members of the committee expressed concerns over water pollution, depletion and contamination of groundwater as well as presence of arsenic in the water. In this regard, the government has asked the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) to verify the level of arsenic.

Senator Mohammad Ali Khan Saif urged that concrete steps should be taken by both federal and provincial governments to provide clean drinking water and to reduce environmental pollution.

To improve forest cover, the government of Pakistan is also implementing REDD+ which stands for countries’ efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and foster conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

In August 2017, Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province reached a new milestone by planting one billion trees in two years, exceeding a global commitment of restoring 350,000 hectares of forests and degraded land. This green initiative was launched to restore lost forests and slow down the effects of global warming as Pakistan is ranked seventh on the list of the countries mostly likely to be affected by climate change.

 

[ghazi52]

KPK

If you want to save the river, then it is very important to have forest kilometer wide from both sides of the river.

 

[Dubious]

There should be a policy....as to planting a certain number of trees every few years!

 

[ghazi52]

UPPER DIR/SHANGLA:

 

[alphapak]

Pakistan needs to bring in PTI government. PTI gov planted over
1 billion tree's in KPK in the last 5 years. They are planning to
launch a 10 billion tree tsunami once in power.

 

[ghazi52]

Growing fruit tree.

Mangroves are salt tolerant bush type trees which grow in inter-tidal zones of tropical and subtropical areas, river deltas and along the coasts. There are some 15.9 million hectares of mangrove forests all over the world. They are of great economic and environmental importance.


Those living near Indus delta and Karachi might have seen that mangrove trees look different. The have special aerial roots which hold the trunk, leaves and foliage above the water surface. The aerial roots and tap roots can filter out the salt in the brackish water they grow in. Support roots grow directly into the mud to anchor the tree. Other roots wind up and down with the upward loops rising above the salt water level. Salt crystals taken up by the roots are stored in the leaves. The mangrove tree rids itself of the salt by shedding its leaves after sometime.

Mangroves forests of Pakistan in Indus delta and along Arabian Sea coastal areas, as per estimates, are some 129,000 hectors in the Indus delta and over 3,000 hectares in Miani Hor, Kalmat Khor and Gwadar bay areas.

 

[my2cents]

We all should applaud such an important initiative. We don't want to leave a barren land to our kids. For some reason I was thinking Pakistan would be greener than India. Maybe only the northern areas have the green cover.

 

[Imran Khan]

only trees we need emergency of tree plantation we need billions of trees every year there must be a harash punishment for cutting trees in this country . we need to give target to every ministry for growing tree in their areas education department need to use student every years three days for planting millions of trees . we need our greenery back or else we are fked up

 

[ghazi52]

Growing fruit trees....................

Syzygium Cumini or Jamun tree has a special significance with the monsoon. This is the time when big old trees of Jamun whirl in monsoon winds and spread a hint of fragrance in rainy days. The purple-black fruit of Jamun ripens and is eaten very fondly.

Syzygium Cumini, The Java Plum tree

Jamun (also known as Java Plum tree) is an evergreen, tall and shady tree that originally belongs to temperate regions of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. This ornamental tree grows tall and becomes woody very fast. The timber is durable and water resistant. Because timber of Jamun is quite hard to work on, it is usually used for making planks and carts. Mature trees of Jaumn bear white and tiny flowers that are usually behind broad pendant trees. The fruit is eaten as whole or used in traditional medicine. Bark of Jamun tree is used in dyeing and tanning.

Besides its sweet, sometimes astringent, edible fruit, Jamun is grown as ornamental and shady tree. Jamun is quite hardy tree and does not require much care. It can tolerate frost as well as long spells of summer. Young plants should be provided with a well drained soil, moderate watering and bright sunlight.

Fruit of Jamun Tree

 

[django]

This is an absolute must.

 

[ghazi52]

The Neem Tree: A Modern Day Medical Miracle?

By Suresh Nair, PhD

Many North Americans have never heard of it, but could an evergreen tree from India offer powerful health benefits… including the ability to fight cancer? The Neem Tree – whose biological name is Azadirachta indica (also known as Indian Lilac) – is an evergreen tree that belongs to the mahogany family. While neem is often used to make furniture, this tree also offers powerful anti-cancer and healing benefits.

Neem grows freely in the tropical and semi-tropical regions of India and the Indian subcontinent, including Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. A. indica can also be found growing in Africa, the Americas, Australia, and the South Pacific islands. Its fruits and seeds are the source of medicinal neem oil.

In the ancient Indian language Sanskrit, the neem tree is called “Aristha” or “reliever of sicknesses.” In the Vedas (a large body of texts originating in ancient India, which make up the oldest known scriptures of Hinduism), neem is known as “Sarva Roga Nivarini” meaning “One that cures all ailments and ills.”

Neem is referred to as the “Miracle Tree” and because of its tremendous medical properties, the neem tree is also considered to be a “village pharmacy” in India. Extracts of neem leaves, twigs, bark, seeds, and flowers are integral components of many traditional remedies in the Indian medical system of Ayurveda. These remedies date back, by some accounts, nearly 5,000 years.

More than 60 different biologically active neem tree compounds have been identified and used for a wide variety of health and medical applications. Some of these include nimbin, nimbolide, azadirachtin A, nimbidiol, quercetin, and nimbidin.

The Many Uses of Neem

According to Ayurveda, the neem tree offers numerous health benefits. Let’s take a look at the specific uses and health benefits offered by various parts of the neem tree.

Neem Leaves
Neem leaves are reputed to possess antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-malarial properties – which is why their extracts are used to treat skin infections, acne, boils, burns, and many other skin problems.Some traditional uses for neem leaves include:

• Skin cleanser – Neem stops the growth of the acne-causing bacteria P. acnes, along with suppressing P. acnes-induced inflammation.
• Wound healer – a paste of neem leaves is applied on wounds, skin eruptions, and insect bites. When combined with turmeric, this paste is also used to treat skin itching, eczema, ring worm, and other mild skin diseases.
• Hair conditioner – Neem leaf extracts and paste are used to condition the hair and scalp and are believed to strengthen hair and promote hair growth.
• Anti-dandruff agent – water in which neem leaves have been boiled is applied to hair after regular shampooing to rid the scalp of dandruff.
• Eye cleansing and soothing – extract of neem leaves in water is used to wash the eyes and is said to offer relief from irritation, tiredness, and redness.
• Immune booster – consuming extracts of neem leaves and bark (again, made by boiling in water) are believed to increase overall immunity. These extracts also reputedly lower blood sugar levels and heal ulcers.

Neem Flowers
Unlike the rest of the neem tree which is bitter, the white and delicate neem flowers possess a sweet, almost jasmine-like scent. They are used fresh, dried, or in a powdered form as food and as garnish in some Indian cooking traditions.

Neem flowers are used medicinally to treat anorexia, nausea, and intestinal worms. They are also used in aromatherapy because of their calming effect.

Neem Twigs
Before toothbrushes became common, people in India would traditionally chew away at neem twigs in the morning. In Indian villages, many people still do this.

This habit helps to fight germs, maintain alkaline levels in saliva, keep bacteria away, heal swollen gums, and leads to whiter teeth. Finally, the twig also shreds into bristle-like threads that help to remove and prevent plaque.

Neem Oil
Neem oil – extracted from fruits and seeds of the neem tree – is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. This makes it an ideal ingredient in cosmetics and beauty products such as soaps, hair oil, hand wash, and soap.

Traditional uses of Neem oil include:

• Skin cleanser – 2-3 drops of neem oil diluted with water and applied on the skin helps to keep the skin clear, removing acne, blackheads, and helping to heal skin diseases.
• Skin toner and mosquito repellent – Neem oil contains high levels of vitamin E and is very nourishing for the skin, helping to maintain a balanced tone. When added to face packs, it helps to tone aging skin and relieves irritation and itching. It is also an excellent mosquito repellent.
• Natural shampoo – Rubbing neem oil into the scalp can strengthen hair, prevent hair fall, and remove dandruff.

The Anti-Cancer Benefits of Neem
Excitingly, naturally-occurring bioactive compounds obtained from various parts of the neem tree have been shown to induce “apoptosis” or programmed cell death in different types of tumor cells in laboratory conditions. Some of these compounds stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells better. Neem compounds may also prevent cancer development by generating high levels of antioxidants and carcinogen-detoxifying enzymes.

Overall, neem compounds show impressive anti-cancer potential against many human cancer cell lines and animal models for human cancers. Among these are colon, stomach, pancreas, lung, liver, skin, oral, prostate, and breast cancers.

Anti-Carcinogenic and Anti-Mutagenic Effects of Neem
Over the last two decades, cancer researchers have convincingly shown that cancer formation as a result of exposure to certain specific mutagens and pro-carcinogens can be prevented by neem extracts.

As a result, these extracts and bioactive neem compounds may one day play a key role in the future development of chemopreventive anti-cancer agents.

Neem Stops Cancer Cell Growth and Migration
Researchers in India, Europe, and Japan have shown that bioactive compounds present in neem bark, leaves, and seed oil could be used to treat a wide variety of cancers.

For instance, a recently published study showed that nimbolide – a bioactive neem compound – was able to induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells, to the extent that the size and number of cancer cell colonies was reduced by 80%.

Apoptosis or programmed cell death is a genetically driven process that happens naturally all the time in the body. It’s a safe way to get rid of diseased and dying cells without affecting nearby healthy cells and tissues.

Anti-cancer practitioners are also trying to eliminate cancer cells by inducing apoptosis selectively in them, without affecting normal cells. In this regard, neem is an excellent choice as neem extracts as well as purified neem compounds have been shown to cause apoptosis in cancer cells.

Nimbolide also reduced the ability of pancreatic cancer cells to migrate and invade other areas of the body by an astonishing 70%. Migration and invasion – known scientifically as “metastasis” – of cancer cells to other areas of the body is the main reason why pancreatic and other cancers are so lethal.

Pancreatic cancer is the most lethal of all, with 94% of patients dying within the first five years of diagnosis, with no conventional treatment in sight.

One of the most promising aspects of this study was that nimbolide did not harm healthy cells. In other words, using nimbolide to treat pancreatic and perhaps other forms of cancer in the near future may not result in the toxic side effects that chemotherapy and radiation typically do.

Neem Potentiates Anti-Cancer Drugs and Protects Against Their Toxicity
Neem preparations have been shown to potentiate (enhance the effect of) the actions of anti-cancer agents. They also provide protection against the life-threatening side effects of some of these very toxic drugs.

For instance, Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are well-known anti-cancer drugs with devastating side effects, especially because they also massively kill normal blood cells. Normally, another drug known as granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) is given along with these two anti-cancer drugs to try and minimize their toxic side effects.

Interestingly, pretreatment with neem leaf preparation (NLP) has been found to protect blood cells in laboratory mice treated with Cisplatin and 5-FU. This means NLP could potentially be a safer and cheaper substitute than granulocyte colony stimulating factor. GCSF is not only expensive, but is also known to promote angiogenesis and tumor development on its own!

Neem Enhances the Actions of Detoxifying Enzymes
Extracts of neem leaves have been shown to enhance the actions of so-called “phase-II hepatic enzymes” such as Glutathione S-transferases and DT-diaphorase. Both these enzymes are known to be involved in detoxification of chemical carcinogens.

Additionally, neem leaf extracts enhance the activity of various liver antioxidant enzymes. Amongst these are glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, which are known to help in detoxifying the body.

Neem: Bioimmunotherapy Against Cancer
Boosting the body’s own immune system to target specific health risks is known as bioimmunotherapy. Anti-cancer practitioners have begun to incorporate this strategy to fight cancer. Recent studies show that neem may exert some of its anti-cancer effects by enhancing the body’s immune response.

Recently published peer-reviewed studies carried out at the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata, India, showed that a bioactive protein from leaves of the neem tree prevents cancer cells from growing in mice by doing exactly this. Instead of targeting the cancer cells directly, this protein – known as Neem Leaf Glycoprotein (NLGP) – acts on immune cells present within the tumor’s immediate surroundings, known as the “tumor microenvironment”.

Normally, immune cells attack and destroy cancer cells. However, as some tumors grow, immune cells in their microenvironment become “enslaved” by cancer cells. In a bizarre role-reversal, these immune cells now begin to promote the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in the tumor instead of fighting them.

In a dramatic twist straight out of a thriller, NLGP seemingly returns immune cells in the tumor microenvironment to a more normal state. It makes them hostile again to cancer cells and prevents them from growing any further.

A good example can be found in one group of cancer-killing immune cells known as the CD8+ or “killer” T cells. When triggered by NLGP, the number of these T cells was seen to rise significantly, helping to restrict cancer growth. What’s more, these killer T cells also showed a greater cancer cell killing capacity when compared to killer T cells that were not treated with NLGP.

A Word of Caution About Neem
Various parts of the neem tree and its extracts have been used by humans for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years.While the uses of neem seem limitless, precautions need to be taken and neem products should be used with care. Indiscriminate consumption of higher than necessary doses may sometimes cause unpleasant side effects.

Some people are allergic to neem compounds – leading to itching, swelling of the mouth and throat, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. In very rare instances, some neem compounds may also damage the liver and kidneys.

Therefore, it is always advisable not to medicate yourself with any products containing neem extracts or neem compounds. Always consult a trustworthy alternative healthcare provider first, and be sure to apply or consume these products under properly qualified supervision.

 

[AMG_12]

We need a very tough policy against deforestation. It's the timber mafia and many politicians and forest officers of KP are involved in this, Ameer Muqam being one of them. During ANP government, they would store illegal timber in Forest Depots of Swat and Dir, smuggle out the timber through different means and then burn the depot down citing fire due to unknown reason. Also they bypass customs by using fast flowing rivers, by dumping the timber at one point and getting it out at another. Ive seen low ranking forest officials living lavish lifestyles. Second reason is the mushroom, unplanned growth of human habitats. A planned growth is more sustainable and less damaging to the environment.

 

[ghazi52]

 

[313ghazi]

In AJK they regularly set fires to burn trees. Our government is the most corrupt and inept in all of Pakistan.

To sort out our tree problems we should all take steps.

1. Everyone please plant a tree at home.
2. Please encourage everyone in your street to do the same.
3. Encourage everyone in your extended family to do the same.

 

[Talwar e Pakistan]

Pakistan needs to bring in PTI government. PTI gov planted over
1 billion tree's in KPK in the last 5 years. They are planning to
launch a 10 billion tree tsunami once in power.

Other provinces had similar projects but they were not publicised as much as PTI's project.