He expressed these views while addressing as chief guest in the inaugural ceremony of Karachi University Landscape-I (from Silver Jubilee gate to Azadi Chowk) and the start of the tree plantation campaign.
The launching of tree plantation campaign in such a disciplined way in University of Karachi would definitely add to its beauty and environment.
The university administration and leadership has done a commendable job and took the step which is needed in whole country, he said. The vice chancellor of Karachi University Professor Dr Khalid Mehmood Iraqi, registrar Professor Dr Saleem Shahzad, and others were also present on this occasion. Chief guest and the teachers planted saplings of various species in the university.
Saif-ur-Rehman said that all over the world nature protection is given importance but our attitude is quite the opposite. We are eradicating all our natural landscapes; this attitude has to be changed as in this country we cannot afford limiting such natural landscape. We and all citizens of Pakistan have to be environment friendly and work towards this end.
He said that forest area was quite small in our country considering its requirements and we have forest on only 4 percent land whereas it should be 20 percent of whole area. "We need to have botanist to work beyond their own institutions and carry out experiments to extend the forests in our country," he said.
Dr Khalid Mehmood Iraqi on this occasion said that the university was working on policy making at different forums and the recommendations on landscaping, greenery and tree plantation would be submitted to the government.
He said students are also part of this campaign and were planting saplings and taking the responsibility of their protection. He said that university has 57 departments and 23 research institute. If every department plant 100 saplings you can imagine the result of this work and the beautification.