In the lead-up to the International Day of Forests on March 21, Khushhali Microfinance Bank (KMBL), Pakistan’s premier microfinance institute, initiates planting of 10,000 trees to raise awareness on the importance of indigenous trees for local ecosystems.

Khushhali Microfinance Bank marked this day in collaboration with Islamabad Wild Life Board (IWLB) on conservation of Wild Forests. Khushhalibank engages in environment conservation activities as its Corporate Social Responsibility to increase awareness on the issue and offer support to Government of Pakistan’s vision of making Pakistan clean and green.

The recent activity aimed for regeneration of indigenous tree species by removal of alien invasive species from an area of one hectare at Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP). Invasive alien plant species are plants that are non-native to an ecosystem and cause economic or environmental harm or adversely affect human health. Alien invasive plants include Paper mulberry, Lantana camara and Parthenium species. Khushhalibank has sponsored a manual operation for the removal of Lantana from park area. 

Talking on the occasion President Khushhali Microfinance bank, Ghalib Nishtar said “There is a need to create mass awareness about the plantation drive and the importance of green cover for the overall environment conservation and pollution control. A renewed effort is being made through this partnership to increase the country’s green cover, especially in urban spaces.”

“Khushhali microfinance Bank is undertaking tree plantation drives under corporate social responsibility (CSR) to increase tree cover and reverse the effects of deforestation.” He further added.

Sharing his views on the occasion, Chairman IWMB, Dr. Anis ur Rahman appreciated the support offered by the bank’s corporate social responsibility for the Clean and Green Pakistan Programme. He further added that the removal of Invasive Alien Species will greatly help vegetation management in the Margalla Hills National Park.

On this occasion, an activity for KMBL’s staff was also organized for plantation of indigenous and fast growing local tree species like Amaltas, Phulai and kachnar. This will help to compete against soil erosion, land sliding and climate change.

Last year, Khushhalibank had carried out a ‘Plant Khushhali’ campaign across all its branches nationwide. Every employee participated by planting a tree sapling, and more than 4,500 saplings were planted during the campaign.