Promoting a clean and green Pakistan
Posted: 11 September 2019
Australia Awards – Pakistan and its alumni celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day by planting 10,000 Acacia seeds (#MeraKikar) across the country in support of the Government of Pakistan’s #10BillionTreeTsunami campaign for a #GreenPakistan.
As a part of this initiative, Australia Awards – Pakistan distributed seeds, placed within greeting cards made from recycled paper, among alumni and program stakeholders. The move was praised by many, including officials of the Government of Pakistan.
The Federal Minister of Climate Change and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Amin Aslam, personally commented on the initiative on social media. Mr Danyal Gilani – the Chairman of the Central Film Censor Board, Director Info Minister’s Office, Former Press Secretary to the Prime Minister and Former Spokesman of Pakistan International Airlines, also took to twitter to praise the effort.
Finance Secretary, Government of Punjab, Mr Abdullah Khan Sumbal wrote in a formal letter of appreciation to Australia Awards – Pakistan, commenting: “Australia Awards has a stupendous track record and has contributed most meaningfully to the Higher Education sector globally and in Pakistan. Receiving a memento [like this] means a lot to me personally”.
Commenting on the initiative, Country Program Manager for Australia Awards – Pakistan, Ms Erum Rabbani, said “Representing an Australian Government program, it is vital that we as a team work ethically and in an environmentally-friendly manner”

Australia Awards – Pakistan team planting seeds at the office
“Australia Awards gives prominence to areas such as water, climate change and the environment. It ensures that Pakistani professionals working in this sphere are provided opportunities to gain Australian knowledge and practices, which they can bring back to Pakistan. Our alumni are dedicated to protecting our environment for future generations. We wanted to contribute towards these efforts in a simple – but impactful – way,” she said.
Australia Awards alumni were delighted and proud to be a part of the opportunity to contribute towards a green Pakistan.
Alumnus Rai Saleem said “A priceless gift from Australia Awards for me and my nation. These twenty seeds can change the environment in my town and country. Thank you, Australia Awards. Proud to be an alumnus”.
Australia Awards alumnus Tehseen Zeb, who is also a Research Officer in Pakistan’s agricultural sector, said “Thank you Australia Awards for the #MeraKikar seeds for plantation. This initiative provided an opportunity to engage our children in the plantation drive”.

Australia Awards alumnus Tahseen Zeb, Research Officer at Agriculture Research Systems – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, planting seeds with his family
Other Alumni Reflections
“I am happy that the seeds of Acacia were chosen… It is popular as an agroforestry tree, has an excellent quality of wood and its flowers, leaves and gum have great medicinal qualities. This tree also contributes to afforestation for a green Pakistan” – Hayat Bhandara
“Great initiative indeed” – Bushra Rahim
“I got mine today and was so psyched! What a great idea” – Amneh Shaikh Farooqui
“What an innovative idea” – Marjan Amad Khan
“Today I received the seeds along with greetings. This is a very good initiative towards making Pakistan clean and green. Keep it up.” – Shahbaz Javaid
“Great initiative. Thank you for making us part of this beautiful step.” – Qurratulain Naveed
“Amazing idea, much needed. Kudos to the team who came up and executed the idea.” – Arooj Goheer
“Received 23 acacia trees (thinking of five years down the road). Thanks.” – Awab Sibtain
“What a wonderful idea. Thank you so much.” – Mohni Saif
“What a powerful campaign to make real life impact on conservation and climate change. Well done Australia Awards.” – Ali Hasnain Sayed
“The other day someone was asking which is the native tree for plantation in Pakistan; it is Acacia Nilotica which does not need extra care and grows quickly. Thank you Australia Awards Pakistan for this gift and a pledge for Clean Green Pakistan. #MeraKikar” – Fatima Anila
“Thank you very much. Received today. Impressive gesture and cute packaging, inside the greeting card.” – Saadia Naseem
“Thanks a lot. An initiative towards a cleaner and greener Pakistan.” – Sumaira Nasim
“Brilliant initiative! Got my envelope today. Will surely plant the seeds.” – Raza Khan
“Received mine today. It was such a beautiful feeling to receive this in the post and to hold those seeds. It is a brilliant idea to contribute towards providing a cleaner and greener place to live in. Very well done.” – Nazia Hassan Khan
“Got mine today and am absolutely thrilled to be a part of this initiative!” – Saniya Osmani
“Thank you for the Australia Awards greetings and this beautiful pledge to make Pakistan green and clean. Loved the card from recycled paper.” – Rabia Khan
“Received. Thank you for such a great gesture. Australia Awards team is like a family [to me].” – Sana Aslam Janjua
“What a pleasant surprise it was to receive the seeds. Thanks Australia Awards.” – Nabila Irfan
“That’s how everyone should celebrate Independence Day. Proud of you [Australia Awards]” – Sadia Ayesha Hasan
“Awesome initiative by Australia Awards!!” – Tariq Laskir
“Great initiative, great message, great gift for Independence Day.” – Waheeda Mahesar
“Great initiative. It’s always been an honour and great pleasure to be part of the Australia Awards family. May Allah bless you always.” – Qurratulain Naveed
“What an amazing initiative. Love the idea and the cards are lovely.” – Mahpara Farrukh
“Thank you Australia Awards. Received it! What a great and thoughtful initiative.” – Sabah Sajid
“Great contribution towards #GreenPakistan.” – Ashfaq Ahmed
“Got it, thanks Australia Awards, shall plant with the kids on Sunday.” – Mona Mehfooz
“A great initiative to mobilise the alumni of Australia Awards for a cleaner and greener Pakistan. I received the greeting card a few days ago. I really want to express my appreciation for the efforts of the Australia Awards team in Pakistan for such a great initiative. Thank you.” – Abdul Khaliq