53/25 Greening Education: A Significant Step Towards Environmental Responsibility in Pakistan's Schools

In a symbolic step linking environmental sustainability with the nation’s classrooms, the Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, the Federal Secretary, and the ministry’s senior leadership joined students in a tree plantation ceremony at a local school this week in Islamabad.

The event, part of the government’s broader “Greening Education” initiative, aims to instill climate awareness and ecological responsibility among students from an early age. As the dignitaries and schoolchildren, the real champions of this cause, planted saplings together, the ceremony underscored a powerful message: education must not only equip young people with knowledge but also prepare them to protect the planet they will inherit.

“This is more than just planting trees,” the Federal Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said during the event. “It is about embedding sustainability into our education system, inspiring students to become custodians of a greener, cleaner Pakistan.”

According to the Mr. Nadeem Mahbub, the Federal Secretary, this initiative aligns with Pakistan’s national goals under climate resilience frameworks and reflects the education ministry’s vision to integrate environmental education, practical green activities, and character building within school curricula. The Federal Ministry officials in their messages to teachers and students, emphasized that greening schools was not just a ceremonial activity but part of a long-term, sustainable plan to cultivate environmentally conscious citizens.

The ceremony also highlighted the role of collaboration between policymakers, educators, and students in creating a sustainable future. Officials noted that more plantation drives are planned nationwide to transform schools into living classrooms where environmental stewardship is practiced daily.

Students enthusiastically participated in the activity, many pledging to care for the saplings planted on their school grounds. Teachers expressed that such initiatives bridge theory and practice, helping children understand the urgent need for collective action against climate change.

The Greening Education drive is set to extend beyond tree planting, incorporating waste reduction campaigns, energy efficiency measures, and school-based sustainability projects. By doing so, the ministry hopes to ensure that future generations of Pakistanis are educated and environmentally empowered.