Pakistan is facing an environmental crisis as its forest cover continues to decline at an alarming rate. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-P), the country loses approximately 11,000 hectares of forests annually due to wildfires, climate change, and the conversion of forest land into agriculture and commercial developments. With only 4.7% of its total land area under forest cover as of 2022, Pakistan falls far below the global average of 32.2% and significantly below the 25% minimum recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for a balanced environment.
The country’s forest area, measured at approximately 36,432.2 square kilometers, has decreased from 6.5% in 1990. This ongoing deforestation has serious repercussions, including loss of biodiversity, increased carbon emissions, soil erosion, and heightened vulnerability to climate-related disasters. Compared to other nations, Pakistan’s forest cover is remarkably low. Russia, for instance, has 8,450,487.8 square kilometers of forest, covering 49.4% of its land. Brazil follows with 5,256,557.2 square kilometers, accounting for 61.9%. Similarly, Canada and the United States have forest cover of 3,426,487.5 square kilometers (34.1%) and 3,173,721.0 square kilometers (33.3%), respectively.
On a global scale, Suriname leads in forest coverage, with an astonishing 98.3% of its land covered in forests. Other nations with substantial forest cover include the Federated States of Micronesia at 91.9%, Gabon at 90%, and Seychelles at 88.41%. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need for Pakistan to expand its afforestation efforts and implement stricter conservation measures.
Illegal logging and deforestation remain some of the most pressing issues contributing to the rapid depletion of forests in Pakistan. Unregulated tree cutting for fuel, timber, and agricultural expansion continues to threaten the country’s already dwindling forest resources. Rising population pressure, economic hardships, and lack of awareness have only worsened the situation. Without intervention, this trend will not only lead to further environmental degradation but also pose significant risks to human settlements, particularly in flood-prone regions.
WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan has emphasized the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance, regulating climate conditions, and preventing floods and droughts. He stresses the need for improved forest management policies and government interventions to preserve and expand forested areas. Replanting and restoring degraded forests, he suggests, is critical in enhancing food security, mitigating climate change, and safeguarding biodiversity.
To combat deforestation, Pakistan has undertaken ambitious reforestation projects in recent years. One of the most notable initiatives is the Billion Tree Tsunami project launched under the leadership of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2014. Initially implemented in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the project aimed to restore degraded land by planting one billion trees. By 2017, it had exceeded its target, earning international recognition for its success. Encouraged by this achievement, the government expanded its efforts with the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami program in 2018, which sought to plant ten billion trees across the country by 2023.
While these projects have been widely lauded, their long-term effectiveness depends on the survival and maintenance of the newly planted trees. Challenges such as illegal logging, land encroachments, and the economic push for urban expansion continue to threaten these efforts. Sustainable forest management requires continuous monitoring, strong legal enforcement, and active community participation.
Pakistan’s forest depletion also has broader implications for climate change and disaster management. Forests play a vital role in carbon sequestration, helping to offset greenhouse gas emissions. They also provide essential habitats for diverse wildlife species, many of which are now endangered due to habitat destruction. Additionally, deforestation increases soil erosion and reduces water retention capacity, making areas more susceptible to floods and landslides.
To effectively tackle these challenges, Pakistan must adopt a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening forestry laws and enforcing penalties against illegal logging are critical steps. Promoting sustainable land-use practices, such as agroforestry and afforestation, can help balance economic development with environmental conservation. Public awareness campaigns should also be intensified to educate communities about the importance of forests and the long-term consequences of deforestation.
Another crucial step is providing alternative energy sources to reduce dependence on wood for fuel. Many rural communities rely heavily on firewood for cooking and heating, which accelerates deforestation. By investing in renewable energy solutions such as solar and biogas, the government can alleviate this pressure on forests and promote sustainable living.
Pakistan’s reforestation efforts, such as the Billion Tree Tsunami, demonstrate the country’s commitment to reversing environmental degradation. However, ensuring the sustainability of these initiatives requires ongoing efforts, including comprehensive monitoring systems, transparent funding mechanisms, and community-driven conservation programs. In addition, integrating forest conservation into national development policies is essential to ensure that economic progress does not come at the cost of environmental sustainability.
The loss of forest cover is not just an environmental issue—it is a national crisis with far-reaching social and economic consequences. The declining number of trees affects agriculture, water availability, and the livelihoods of millions who depend on forest resources. Without immediate and sustained action, Pakistan risks facing severe environmental disasters, further exacerbating poverty and displacement.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s forest cover remains critically low, and the country is losing precious forested areas at an alarming rate. While initiatives like the Billion Tree Tsunami provide hope, more comprehensive policies, community engagement, and strict enforcement measures are required to preserve and expand forested regions. The government, conservation organizations, and local communities must work collaboratively to protect this invaluable natural resource, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
