Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

Senior Member of the Board of Revenue, Nabeel Javed, has announced plans to allocate additional land for forestation initiatives, reinforcing the government’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable land management. Speaking to the press, he emphasized that adequate resources would be provided to ensure effective conservation of forests across the province, while development projects would continue in parallel.

According to Nabeel Javed, the government recognizes the critical role forests play in urban and rural ecosystems, including carbon absorption, groundwater replenishment, and mitigation of urban heat and pollution. “We will ensure that development does not compromise ecological balance,” he said, highlighting the need for integrating forest conservation into land-use planning and urban expansion strategies.

The senior official confirmed that new parcels of land would be formally designated for afforestation and forest protection, adding that proper monitoring mechanisms and modern forestry management practices would be employed. These measures aim to prevent illegal encroachments, reduce deforestation, and support sustainable timber and non-timber forest product use.

Environmental experts note that Pakistan’s growing urban population and infrastructure projects often compete with green areas for land allocation. By committing additional land and resources to forestry, authorities aim to maintain a balance between urban expansion, agricultural needs, and ecological preservation. Strategic forest zones can also enhance city planning, serve as green buffers, and improve air quality in densely populated areas.

The Board of Revenue’s announcement coincides with ongoing provincial and federal development schemes, which include road construction, residential projects, and industrial zones. Officials stated that these projects would proceed, but environmental assessments and forest protection plans would be integrated into the approval and implementation processes. This approach seeks to ensure that economic growth does not come at the cost of irreversible environmental damage.

Nabeel Javed also stressed the importance of community participation, stating that local populations would be encouraged to take part in tree-planting drives and forest maintenance activities. Public awareness campaigns, incentives for sustainable land use, and strict enforcement of forestry regulations are expected to strengthen the initiative.

Analysts say the decision reflects an emerging focus on sustainable urban planning and land management, highlighting how forest conservation can coexist with development projects. If implemented effectively, these measures could serve as a model for other provinces, demonstrating that economic progress and environmental stewardship can be mutually reinforcing.

The Board of Revenue reaffirmed its commitment to both accelerating development projects and ensuring long-term forest protection, signaling a proactive approach to integrating land, environment, and urban growth strategies in Pakistan’s planning framework.