ISLAMABAD — The DICE Forum launched a landmark dual initiative on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, combining environmental sustainability with educational access through a tree plantation drive and the inauguration of the KITAB community school library project. Hosted at the Sundas Foundation in Islamabad, the event brought together high-ranking government officials and the international diplomatic corps to address Pakistan’s urgent climate and literacy needs.
Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, served as the Chief Guest, emphasizing that education and environmental stewardship are the essential pillars of national development. The Minister underscored the government's full support for grassroots initiatives that shape responsible citizenship and combat the nation's increasing climate vulnerability.
National Progress Through Education and Climate Action
During his address, Barrister Aqeel Malik invoked the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, reaffirming that education remains the fundamental engine of progress. He highlighted that Pakistan remains one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, necessitating immediate and sustained practical action.
Chairperson of the DICE Forum, Aliya Agha, provided sobering context regarding the nation’s ecological state. She noted that:
Pakistan's forest cover currently remains below five per cent.
Rapid population growth is placing unprecedented pressure on natural resources.
The KITAB project is designed specifically to foster a reading culture among underprivileged children.
International Support for Local Solutions
The event saw significant participation from the global community, including Ambassador of Bulgaria Irena Gancheva and South African High Commissioner Rudolph Pierre Jordaan. Ambassador Gancheva lauded the KITAB initiative, noting that traditional reading and education remain vital even as artificial intelligence transforms the modern landscape.
Air Vice Marshal (R) Aftab Hussain, Director of the Sundas Foundation Thalassemia Centre, linked environmental health to physical well-being. He used the platform to call for greater awareness regarding thalassemia screening in Pakistan, framing the DICE Forum’s work as a holistic investment in the country's future.
A Greener Future for Islamabad
The ceremony concluded with the Chief Guest and attending dignitaries planting saplings on the foundation grounds. This initiative aligns with broader national efforts, such as the Breathe Pakistan initiative, focusing on community-level solutions to urban environmental challenges.
The gathering of policymakers and civil society representatives ended with a collective pledge to strengthen the intersections of education, environmental protection, and community welfare.
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