Asian Most Tree Filled Countries (Picture Source ADB)

Picture Source : ADB

Trees are eternal friends of mankind. They produce wood and non wood forest product, protect soil and water, absorb and store carbon, release oxygen conserve bio diversity and render recreational facilities. Pakistan unfortunately badly lacks these highly valuable natural resources. According to government of Pakistan Forestry sector Master plan only 4.8 % of the country’s total land area is covered with trees. This is very low by International standard given that the average percentage for Asian Countries is 21%.Pakistan is one of the lowest per capita forest areas in the world. it is only 0.03 hectares per capita of the population compared to the world  average of 1.0 hectares . Similarly the per capita paper consumption is 2.7 Kg per year compared to 311 kg in USA or 200 Kg in Japan (Govt. of Pakistan 1992) Pakistan is party of almost all the global conventions and treaties promulgated for the conservation of the environment. Most of these agreements require the member’s state to curb the deforestation for stabilization of carbon sinks and promote three growths for enhanced carbon sequestrations. Certain protocols may make it biding on parties in the future to maintain the forest areas at specific level for off- setting ill effect of the green house Gas emission.  Pakistan is therefore obliged   to conserve its existing forest and also increase the tree cover to meet the obligations of international agreements. The government already imposed a ban on forest harvesting in the country where considerable efforts are underway for rapid increase in three plantations.