Green Pakistan Initiative for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Pakistan, a country grappling with severe environmental degradation, climate change, and food security issues, has put forth an ambitious plan to rejuvenate its ecology and economy through the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI). Launched through a collaboration between the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Army, GPI aims to modernize agriculture, counter deforestation, and promote sustainable development. This article explores the initiative’s goals, achievements, challenges, and its potential to reshape Pakistan’s future.
To begin with, Pakistan ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries, facing rampant deforestation, air pollution, water scarcity, and soil degradation. The country’s forest cover is a mere 5.7%, starkly lower than the global average of 31%. This low forestation contributes to repeated natural disasters—such as the 2022 floods, which displaced 33 million people and caused $30 billion in damages. Furthermore, 40% of children under five suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition—a key symptom of worsening food insecurity fueled by climate change. Therefore, these alarming issues underline the urgency and scale of initiatives like GPI.
In response to these challenges, GPI emerged as a comprehensive, multi-sector program designed to tackle Pakistan’s intertwined environmental and economic crises. Notably, one of its flagship programs is the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami, launched in 2018. By 2023, over 1.5 billion trees had been planted, with a goal of reaching 10 billion by 2030. In parallel, GPI seeks to transform 4.8 million acres of cultivable wasteland into productive farmland through commercial leasing models, whereby investors lease parcels of 1,000+ acres for 20–30 years, supported by cutting-edge technologies like Land Information Management Systems (LIMS) and IoT-enabled water management. Moreover, the initiative has created thousands of jobs in rural areas; for instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 63,600 workers were employed in tree plantation drives and nursery management. Additionally, programs such as the Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Program have been launched to rebuild infrastructure and restore livelihoods for 3.6 million people affected by floods.
These efforts have yielded significant achievements. The 10 Billion Tree Tsunami has garnered international praise, having covered 4 million acres with indigenous species like mulberry and acacia by June 2023, thus reducing carbon emissions and revitalizing ecosystems. In addition, it generated over 63,000 jobs, many of which benefited women and marginalized communities. Furthermore, GPI’s corporate farming model is unlocking underutilized land and supporting agri-malls—250 centers providing seeds, fertilizers, and machinery—alongside solar-powered irrigation systems using IoT to optimize water use in arid regions like Cholistan. Financially, small farmers now gain access to credit, reducing dependence on exploitative loans. These developments have contributed to substantial socio-economic impacts: GPI has created over 200,000 jobs across agriculture, logistics, and tech sectors. Not only that, but training and land distribution initiatives have enabled 45% of female flood-recovery beneficiaries in Sindh to open bank accounts for the first time, thereby enhancing financial independence. By adopting climate-smart practices, Pakistan also aims to boost agricultural exports, taking cues from countries like Brazil and Turkey.
Nevertheless, GPI faces a range of critical challenges. One major concern is inter-provincial water disputes. Specifically, the construction of six canals from the Indus River to irrigate corporate farms in Punjab’s Cholistan Desert has triggered tensions with Sindh. The province alleges that 40% of its water share is being diverted, threatening agriculture across 18 million acres and worsening seawater intrusion in the Indus Delta. This has sparked protests reminiscent of historic opposition to controversial projects like the Kalabagh Dam, thereby risking national unity. Additionally, concerns regarding equity and inclusivity persist, as critics argue that GPI may disproportionately benefit wealthy investors over small farmers. The requirement of a PKR 20 million security deposit per 1,000 acres places the initiative out of reach for many rural farmers, potentially exacerbating inequality. Compounding these issues, large-scale irrigation may deplete groundwater and degrade soil health. Alarmingly, Punjab’s water table is already falling by one meter per year, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of GPI’s strategies.
Given these considerations, the path forward for GPI requires strategic adjustments. First and foremost, inter-provincial cooperation must be enhanced by resolving water-sharing conflicts through transparent agreements facilitated by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA). Simultaneously, empowering small farmers should be a priority—this can be achieved by expanding microcredit schemes and integrating indigenous knowledge with modern technologies. Additionally, Pakistan must leverage global partnerships with organizations such as the World Bank and IUCN to access funding and technical expertise. At the same time, the government should employ satellite technology to monitor deforestation and water usage, ensuring that sustainability goals are being met effectively.
In conclusion, the Green Pakistan Initiative embodies a bold vision to align economic progress with environmental restoration. By tackling food insecurity, generating employment, and reviving forests, GPI holds the potential to uplift millions and position Pakistan as a leader in climate action. However, its success will depend on equitable implementation, environmental responsibility, and strong political commitment. As Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif aptly stated, “Climate action must engender collective good”—a principle that must guide the future of GPI.
The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Spine Times.
Zainab Wajid
The author is a content writer with a passion for writing compelling articles about socio-political issues.
