The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) has turned Independence Day into a spectacle of light and green across the province, with district agencies organising fireworks, illuminations, and massive tree-planting drives.

On 14 August 2025, Punjab’s district governments—under the PHA’s coordination—rolled out celebrations that put both colour and conscience on display. Fireworks lit up the night sky in major cities, while thousands of saplings were planted in parks, schools, and public spaces to mark the 78th anniversary of Pakistan’s creation.

A PHA spokesperson confirmed the events were underway in all 36 districts, with Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Faisalabad leading the charge. In Lahore, the Walled City and Minar-e-Pakistan were bathed in tricolour lights, while Rawalpindi’s Ayub National Park hosted a two-hour fireworks display starting at 9:00 pm. Multan’s Bosan Road saw a 500-metre-long LED light tunnel, and Faisalabad’s Clock Tower was wrapped in green-and-white projections.

Where the celebrations happened

  • Lahore: Walled City and Minar-e-Pakistan illuminated; 5,000 saplings planted in Jallo Park and Model Town.
  • Rawalpindi: Ayub National Park fireworks at 9:00 pm; 2,000 trees planted along Srinagar Highway.
  • Multan: 500-metre LED light tunnel on Bosan Road; 3,000 saplings in Multan Fort Park.
  • Faisalabad: Clock Tower projections; 4,000 trees planted in Jinnah Gardens.
  • Gujranwala: 1,500 saplings in Gujranwala Sports Stadium park.
  • Sialkot: 1,000 trees planted near Sialkot Fort.

The PHA said over 50,000 saplings were distributed free to citizens and schools, with priority given to areas hit by recent heatwaves. "This is not just decoration—it’s a commitment to reversing environmental damage," said a senior PHA official who asked not to be named.

How the public can join in

You don’t need an invitation to participate. Here’s how to get involved in the green push:

  • Adopt a sapling: Visit your nearest PHA nursery (list here) and collect a free tree. The PHA provides planting guides in Urdu and English.
  • Report illegal logging: Call 1121 or use the PHA Punjab mobile app to report tree cutting or illegal land grabs.
  • Volunteer for clean-ups: Many district governments are organising 15 August clean-up drives—check your local Union Council office for timings.
  • Share your photos: Tag @PHAPunjab on X (Twitter) or Instagram with #PHA4Pakistan to feature in the authority’s official feed.

The PHA has also launched a ‘One Citizen, One Tree’ campaign, urging every resident to plant at least one sapling by 31 August 2025. Saplings are available at 120 designated nurseries across Punjab, open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

What’s next for Punjab’s greening drive

The PHA’s push isn’t stopping at Independence Day. By December 2025, it aims to plant 1 million trees across the province, with a focus on heat-vulnerable districts like Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan.

A new ‘Green Punjab’ mobile app—expected to launch in September 2025—will let users track tree survival rates, report missing saplings, and earn badges for participation. The app will sync with the PHA’s central database, cutting red tape for volunteers.

The authority is also negotiating with the Punjab Forest Department to expand the ‘Billion Tree Tsunami’ initiative into urban areas. "We’re treating cities like forests," said the PHA official. "Every park, every street corner should have shade."

Why this matters for you

If you’ve ever cursed the 45°C summers or struggled with load-shedding during heatwaves, this isn’t just symbolism. Trees lower temperatures by 3-5°C in urban areas, reduce smog, and cut electricity demand by 10-15% in peak hours. The PHA estimates that every 10,000 trees planted can save Rs 2 million annually in cooling costs for nearby households.

For small farmers, the PHA is offering subsidised saplings of fruit-bearing trees like guava, mango, and jamun. A 50-tree pack costs Rs 2,500, with delivery available to rural Union Councils.

What to watch next

  • 15 August 2025: Final tally of saplings planted on Independence Day.
  • 31 August 2025: Deadline for the ‘One Citizen, One Tree’ campaign.
  • September 2025: Launch of the ‘Green Punjab’ mobile app.
  • December 2025: PHA’s 1 million tree milestone.

The celebrations prove that Pakistan’s 78th year isn’t just about looking back—it’s about building a greener future, one sapling at a time.