News Desk |
The greatest threat to humanity as well as all life in the modern age has been highlighted as Climate Change. This mostly human-driven change in the distribution of weather patterns could spark off a mass extinction event that could rival that of the demise of the dinosaurs. This is why Climate Change has been recognized as a security threat the world over.
Pakistan is not immune to this existential threat, indeed it is among the 10 countries highly likely to be impacted by this phenomenon. The PTI government even before rising to power sought to fight this threat through various methods. The most prominent is its Billion trees Tsunami which has won accolades from around the world. After coming to power in the Centre, the PTI has decided to magnify the effort.
NBP’s Green Plantation Campaign, ‘Green Initiative’ is part of Bank’s CSR program through which thousands of plants are being planted throughout Pakistan.
Dubbed as “Green Pakistan”, it consists of massive tree plantations and shoring up water reserves. On October 8, 2018, PM Khan, while launching the countrywide ‘Clean and Green Pakistan’ campaign, urged people from all social strata to make it a success by actively participating in it. “This campaign is for our future. Everyone has to partake in it,” the prime minister urged, lamenting: “Pakistan is a gift but unfortunately we haven’t paid attention to its beautification.”
The call was answered by many around the country. The country’s banking sector too was not behind. National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) as the Nation’s Bank is playing its role by advocating, promoting and enhancing environmental conservation. NBP’s Green Plantation Campaign, ‘Green Initiative’ is part of Bank’s CSR program through which thousands of plants are being planted throughout Pakistan.
Read more: A Green Pakistan
To take this initiative further and to combat and improve the situation, Mr. Jamal Baquar, SEVP/Group Chief, Corporate Banking Group, and Mr. Shaukat Mahmood, EVP/Group Head, Service Quality Group, initiated the plantation drive at Gwadar by planting saplings at the Gwadar Development Authority Hospital.
The hospital is counted as one of the best hospitals of Pakistan and it is the first hospital to initiate surgeries in Gwadar. Keeping in mind the significance of this hospital, NBP has donated 300 saplings to beautify the hospital and improve the environment. Jamal Baquar on the occasion said ‘tree plantation on a large scale is essential to avert pollution and counter the negative impact of climate change.’
Gwadar being the main focal point of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor has been in the news for its economic potential. However, unfortunately, scant attention was given to the environment.
NBP has 1500 branches across the country including in the remotest and far-flung areas. All the managers of NBP branches have been instructed to encourage their employees to plant trees around their surroundings; also to participate and sponsor any institution willing to take the drive further.
Also present at the occasion were Col. Habib ur Rehman, Director, GDA Hospital, Dr. Azhar Shah, Group Head, HRMG, Tariq Zafar Iqbal, Group Head Operation, Mr. Muhammad Farooq, Group Head, NBP Digital Banking, and Abdul Nasir Hasani, NBP Regional Head, Gwadar.
Read more: PM’s “Clean & Green Pakistan” campaign gets a boost from NBP
Gwadar being the main focal point of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor has been in the news for its economic potential. However, unfortunately, scant attention was given to the environment. It is heartening to know that a prominent institution like NBP has stepped in to help boost greenery in Gwadar which is often viewed as a desolate outpost. It can be hoped that steps like NBP will be taken by other entities in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.