Experience Sharing / Stories (Massages)
Message from Dr. Shahzad Mengal
Dear Community Members and Environmental Advocates,
It is with great pride that I express my support for the tree plantation campaign led by Caritas Pakistan Quetta. As a medical professional, I am acutely aware of the profound connection between our environment and public health. The initiative to plant one million more trees is not just an environmental endeavor; it is a health imperative.
Trees are vital to our well-being. They clean the air, regulate the climate, and provide a healthier environment for all living beings. In the face of rising pollution and climate-related health challenges, our collective efforts to plant trees can significantly reduce respiratory illnesses, heat- related conditions, and other health risks.
As the Senior Medical Officer of Sibi, I encourage everyone to actively participate in this crucial initiative. Planting trees is a preventive measure that will benefit not only our environment but also the health of our community. Every tree we plant is a step towards a healthier, greener, and more sustainable future.
Let us come together to achieve the ambitious goal of planting one million trees. By doing so, we ensure a healthier environment for ourselves and the generations to come.
Thank you for your continued dedication to this cause.
With best regards,
Dr. Shahzad Mengal Senior Medical Officer
Sibi
Message by Rev. Fr. Ashir Iftikhar
This is my gratitude to express my view on the successful accomplished Caritas Pakistan’s Campaign of “One Million More Tree Plantation”
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who contributed to this achievement. Your tireless efforts, commitment, and enthusiasm have made this campaign a resounding success. This milestone is a testament to our collective dedication, hard work, and passion for creating a sustainable future
Planting one million more trees is not just a number; it’s a symbol of hope, renewal, and our responsibility towards the planet. We have not only contributed to a greener environment but also inspired a movement that will continue to grow.
I am also very particularly pleased to congratulate His Grace Archbishop Benny Travas, Chairman of Caritas Pakistan, Mr. Amjad Gulzar, National Executive Director of Caritas Pakistan, Mr. Mansha Noor, Diocesan Executive Secretary and National and Diocesan Offices Team with Volunteers who played vital role to accomplish the One Million More Tree Plantation Campaign
As we celebrate this achievement, let us remember that our journey doesn’t end here. We must continue to nurture and protect these trees, and strive for even more ambitious goals.
Thank you again for your incredible work. Together, we can make a difference!
Rev. Fr. Ashir Iftikhar
Director
Caritas Pakistan Karachi
Message from Rev. Fr. Daniel Sabir OMI Director, Caritas Pakistan Quetta
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to protect and develop the Earth, our common home. Over the past years, Caritas Pakistan Quetta has been dedicated to this mission through various environmental initiatives, with tree plantation being at the forefront of our efforts. Our goal to plant one million more trees is not merely an environmental project; it is a reflection of our commitment to living out our faith in tangible ways.
Trees are a symbol of life, growth, and hope. They provide shelter, sustain ecosystems, and play a crucial role in combating climate change. By planting trees, we are not only contributing to the health of our planet but also fostering a sense of responsibility and care within our communities.
I invite each one of you to join us in this noble endeavor. Whether you plant a tree, educate others about the importance of environmental stewardship, or support our initiatives in other ways, your participation is invaluable. Together, we can create a legacy of sustainability, ensuring that our region thrives for generations to come.
Let us work hand in hand, guided by our faith and love for creation, to reach the milestone of planting one million trees. Through our collective efforts, may we continue to be an inspiration of hope and care for our world.
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.
In Christ,
Rev. Fr. Daniel Sabir OMI Director (Caritas Pakistan Quetta)
Message from Liaquat Sharif Owner, St. John School, Sib
Dear Students, Parents, and Community Members,
At St. John School, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom walls. We must instill in our students not only knowledge but also a deep sense of responsibility towards our environment. The tree plantation campaign by Caritas Pakistan Quetta, aiming to plant one million more trees, is an initiative that we wholeheartedly support.
Trees are essential to the health of our planet and our communities. They provide shade, improve air quality, and contribute to a sustainable environment for future generations. By planting trees, we are investing in a greener future, teaching our children the importance of environmental stewardship, and setting an example for others to follow.
As the owner of St. John School, I encourage all students, parents, and staff to actively participate in this significant cause. Let us come together to plant trees, nurture them, and spread awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. Each tree we plant today will stand as a living testament to our commitment to a better, healthier world.
Thank you for your support and dedication to this cause.
With best regards,
Liaquat Sharif
Owner of St. John School, Sibi
Message by Volunteer
My name is Asad. I am a resident of Chakri, Rawalpindi. I wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation for the tree plantation activity conducted at Chakri, Rawalpindi. It was a commendable initiative that not only united our community but also made a significant impact on our environment.
The organization and planning were impressive, and it was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved. The trees we planted will serve as a lasting legacy, enhancing the beauty and sustainability of our area.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful endeavor. I look forward to participating in more activities like this in the future.
Regard,
Asad
Message by Brother Khushi Lal (OFM)
Saint Francis of Assisi quotes:
Praised be You, my Lord, through our sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, producing varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs. Lord, grant that I might not so much seek to be loved as to love.
Genesis 1:11-12: 11 Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. 12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
Plants are living entities that have a significant impact on our lives. According to science, they belong to the Plantar kingdom. Botany is the study of plants and their features. Plants and trees play a vital role in our lives. Plants are inextricably linked to our life, and we are both dependent on one another. Plants supply us with a variety of fruits, vegetables, oxygen, and other things, and we assist them in the removal of carbon dioxide.
Plants aid in the preservation of the ecosystem. We all know that plants and trees are very essential for our environment, but we still chop down trees for various reasons. A plant that grows into a large tree or a fully grown plant requires a lot of attention. Therefore, once the valuable resources are depleted, it will take years to get them back. It is now the time to understand the value of the plants and work more towards the plantation of more and more trees.
Director Franciscan Center Karachi
Message by Chandra Lal
It’s a matter of great pleasure for me to express my observation and share and share my obligation for future generations of tree plantation throughout country to make Pakistan green through Caritas One Million More Tree Planation Campaign. Trees and plants also breathe. If you look at them, they come to life. It is incumbent upon all of us to plant more and more eco-friendly plants for the greener Pakistan. The role played by Caritas Pakistan Karachi in its One Million More Tree plantation campaign is highly commendable.
Climate Change Ambassador
Message by Kelsha Sarhadi
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Caritas Pakistan on achieving the target of planting One Million trees under their One Million More Tree Plantation Campaign. Remember, planting a single plant may not guarantee strong lungs, but it’s a step towards a healthier environment and a symbol of your commitment to respiratory well-being. Combine this with a balanced lifestyle, regular exercise, and healthy habits for optimal lung health!
Climate Change Ambassador of Pakistan
Message by Mr. Muhammad Toheed, Co-Director, Karachi Urban Lab IBA
Greetings from Karachi Urban Lab!
It is with immense pride and joy that you celebrate the successful completion of Caritas Pakistan’s One Million More Tree Plantation Campaign 2020-2023. Together, Caritas Pakistan has planted over one million trees across our beautiful country, a significant stride towards preserving our environment and nurturing a sustainable future for our generations to come.
Trees are the lifeline of our ecosystem, playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and enhancing our environment’s resilience. By increasing tree density and expanding canopy cover, we are not only mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat and rising temperatures, but we are also fostering biodiversity and protecting our communities’ health and well-being.
Each tree planted is a step towards reducing carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere, offering a natural solution to combat the growing threat of climate change.
Moreover, the aesthetic beauty provided by trees enriches our landscapes, promoting mental well-being and a sense of community among residents.
I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this remarkable journey with Caritas Karachi.
Let us continue our efforts to protect and cherish our planet, ensuring a greener, healthier Earth for future generations.
Thank you for this transformative mission.
Message by Sukaina Khokhar
Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving as a Communications Officer at Caritas Pakistan Lahore. My tenure has been marked by a particularly rewarding experience: contributing to the One Million More Tree Plantations Campaign. This initiative underscores Caritas Pakistan’s commitment to environmental stewardship and climate action.
Being involved in this campaign has been both an honor and a profound experience, reflecting our collective responsibility to safeguard our planet. Caritas Pakistan’s proactive approach to addressing climate change through this campaign not only highlights the organization’s dedication to sustainable development but also demonstrates its role in fostering a healthier environment for future generations. I am proud to have played a part in this impactful effort, which aligns with our mission to enhance ecological balance and address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
Communication Person
Caritas Pakistan Lahore
Message by Neelum Nasir
I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a tree plantation activity alongside our dedicated staff and enthusiastic school students. Planting trees together was an incredibly rewinding experience. I felt a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that we were contributing to the environment and teaching the younger generation the importance of nature. It was a truly memorable and uplifting experience that I will cherish for a long time.
The joy of giving the environment new life and seeing the excitement in the students’ eyes was truly inspiring. This experience strengthened my commitment to conservation and community involvement.
HR Associate (Caritas Pakistan Lahore)
Message by Suneel Ehtisham
“Let’s join hands to make our planet greener and cleaner.” Planting trees is like giving life. Each tree we plant helps our environment and can make a significant difference. Trees reduce air pollution, conserve water, and support wildlife. As the monsoon season is here, it’s an ideal time to expand our tree planting efforts and support a sustainable ecosystem.
Caritas Pakistan Lahore manages 11 Non-Formal Education Centers at brick kilns in Sheikhupura and Kasur. We engage these marginalized children in tree planting activities to educate them about its importance. Each year, we celebrate World Environment Day at these centers to promote environmental awareness and support Pope Francis’s encyclical, “Laudato Si.”
I, Suneel Ehtisham, am proud to be part of Caritas Pakistan and the One Million More Tree Plantation Campaign. I believe these initiatives will provide marginalized communities with valuable knowledge and inspire them to become advocates for climate change.
Project officer
Caritas Pakistan Lahore
Message by Kiran Riaz
I’m Kiran Riaz, a Documentation Associate with Caritas Pakistan Lahore, and I’d like to share my experience with our recent tree plantation activity.
Participating in this event was both rewarding and meaningful. The activity brought together staff members, students, and volunteers, all united by a shared goal: to enhance our environment.
On the day of the event, we gathered at the designated site, filled with excitement and a sense of purpose. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as we prepared the saplings and tools. Caritas staff took the lead, providing essential guidance on planting and caring for the trees.
Students were actively involved, digging holes, planting saplings, and watering them with great care. For many, it was a hands-on learning experience that highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and the impact each individual can have in preserving nature.
Documentation Associate
Caritas Pakistan Lahore
Message by Rafiq Inayat
Climate Change is big threat to this world and Pakistan is experience lots of its impacts like extreme weathers, floods, heavy snow and loss in cultivation crops. Holy Father Pope Francis has issued encyclical Laudato Si, which illustrate to care our come home. He said that if we destroy nature, the nature will destroy us. There is a need to take constructive steps to save our mother earth and sustain biodiversity on the planet, and educate to forthcoming generation to love the nature and live with nature.
Caritas Pakistan launched a long-term tree-planting project to embody Pope Francis’ vision of integral human ecology in the encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. Tree plantation is one of the mitigation strategies to combat climate change and safe human life and the earth for future generations.
Caritas Pakistan launched the One Million Tree Plantation Campaign 2016 to 2019 and then the One Million More Tree Plantation Campaign 2020 to 2023 to reduce the impact of climate change and aware the communities are its impact. I am very happy that I was a part of both these campaigns. Planting trees with people and educating communities about the effects of climate change was a pleasant experience. It was a great experience for Care for Common Home to sensitize the students and youth and tree plantation with them in schools, cemeteries, roadsides, fields and common places.