Pakistan launches initiative to plant fruit trees along highways & motorways

ISLAMABAD: The federal government of Pakistan has unveiled a new initiative to plant fruit trees along the country’s motorways and highways, aimed at supporting green growth, attracting private investment and advancing national climate goals.

The project was finalized during a high-level meeting between Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik and Minister for Communications Aleem Khan in Islamabad. The program allows private investors to lease land along highways and motorways for the cultivation of climate-friendly fruit trees under a three-year lease model.

According to an official statement, the initiative aims to increase Pakistan’s green cover while providing income-generating opportunities through eco-friendly commercial activities.

Stressing the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving Pakistan’s environmental goals, Dr. Musadik Malik said, “This initiative not only increases our environmental footprint but also opens new economic avenues for sustainable development.”

The Ministry of Climate Change will provide technical assistance to investors, including guidance on accessing carbon credits—making the project more financially viable and appealing to the private sector.

Officials noted that the project is aligned with Pakistan’s broader climate action strategy and is expected to serve as a model for similar green projects across the country in the future.