Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said two birds were being killed with one stone by giving employment to the people who planted trees.
He shared video by World Economic Forum (WEF) in his tweet, in which the WEF says Pakistan is paying people out of work in the coronavirus pandemic to plant trees.
According to the video, the construction workers can now earn $3 a day planting samplings – enough to feed their families and help keep the economy running during lockdown.
Tens of thousands of new “jungle jobs” have been created planting row of tiny seedlings that will grow into huge forests.
Lockdown restrictions have been lifted to allow the work to continue, says the WEF, adding that the workers have to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
It’s part of Pakistan’s five-year plan to plant 10 billion trees launched by Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2018 to help tackle the effects of climate change.
According to the WEF, Pakistan has been hit badly by rising temperatures, flooding and drought all linked by scientists to climate change.
Environmentalists say reforestation can help. Trees can reduce the risk of flooding and protect Pakistan’s eroding landscape while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.