Peshawar: Environmental experts, policymakers, civil society representatives, and members of the media have come together to develop a practical Action Plan aimed at addressing the growing impacts of climate change on Peshawar city. The initiative places a strong focus on urban afforestation and biodiversity conservation in a bid to reclaim Peshawar’s historic identity as the “City of Flowers.”
The consultative session, organised by the Sustainable Conservation Network (SCN) with support from the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP), was co-chaired by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Muhammad Asim Khan and SCN Chairman Shahzad Arbab. The gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for making Peshawar more climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable.
During his opening remarks, SRSP CEO Masood Ul Mulk reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the initiative, noting that SRSP’s 35 years of development experience would contribute meaningfully to the project’s success.
Shahzad Arbab emphasised that while existing development frameworks provide a foundation, a dedicated and coordinated Action Plan is necessary to mitigate the increasingly severe effects of climate change on the city. He called for stronger engagement from government institutions and suggested the use of underutilised public lands—such as Pakistan Railways property—for plantation drives.
Several experts shared actionable ideas to expand green spaces in the city. Syed Tariq Ali Shah, Principal of the KP Forest School in Abbottabad, proposed establishing Miyawaki forests in vacant urban spaces. Citing a successful example in Peshawar’s Faqirabad area—where a former dumping site was turned into a green patch—he stressed the importance of replicating such efforts across the city.
Environmental engineer Azhar Ali presented a strategy titled “From Alveolus to Lungs,” which advocated for rooftop and roadside greening in commercial zones where ground-level space is limited. He suggested placing potted plants on rooftops and shopfronts to counter urban congestion.
Other contributors focused on sustainable building practices. Ms. Nusrat highlighted the role of green architecture and vertical construction in making efficient use of limited space while enhancing climate resilience. Adeel Saeed, a journalist specialising in environmental reporting, underscored the media’s role in public engagement and suggested involving local business communities in green projects.
An expert panel consisting of Muhammad Rafiq, Prof Dr Shafiqur Rehman, and Arshad Samad Khan recommended integrating urban forestry into the province’s long-term development strategies. Fazal Ghafoor of the Strengthening Participatory Organisation emphasised inclusive planning and the importance of community ownership for accountability and long-term success.
Participants also identified critical challenges such as inadequate urban laws, poor drainage infrastructure, traffic congestion, and lack of land-use regulations. The need for improved building codes, better waste management, and stronger protection of open spaces was also highlighted.
In his concluding remarks, Special Assistant Muhammad Asim Khan pledged full government support for the Action Plan, urging civil society to produce a realistic, implementable framework. “I will personally ensure this plan sees the light of day. We want to see Peshawar bloom once again,” he said.
The proposed Action Plan is expected to serve as a comprehensive guide for restoring the city’s ecological balance and improving quality of life for its residents.
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