Karachi: Department of Food Science and Technology of the University of Karachi, in collaboration with United King, marked National Tree Plantation Day 2026 with a seminar that underscored the immense economic and environmental potential of wild olive cultivation in Pakistan.
Distinguished experts, scholars, and community leaders highlighted how this natural resource could become a cornerstone of sustainable development, foreign exchange earnings, and climate resilience.
On this occasion, Pakistan’s first book dedicated to olives, a milestone in raising awareness and promoting scholarly engagement with this vital subject, was also launched.
General Secretary of Dua Foundation Dr Faiyaz Alam, and the author of the book on olives, delivered a keynote address emphasizing that Pakistan is endowed with diverse plant species and trees that remain largely neglected despite their proven economic value in other countries.
He observed that while nations across the globe are earning substantial foreign exchange through the commercial use of such plants, Pakistan has lagged behind due to limited awareness among provincial and local governments, institutions, and communities. This lack of recognition has prevented the country from harnessing its natural wealth to its full potential.
Dr Alam explained that Pakistan has also imported high quality plant varieties from abroad, which over time have matured into large trees. Yet, in the absence of adequate knowledge dissemination regarding their fruits and benefits, these resources have not been utilized effectively.
He stressed that millions of wild olive trees exist across Pakistan, particularly in the northern regions, and with minimal attention, proper care, and grafting, these trees could be transformed into productive assets. Such efforts, he argued, would not only meet domestic requirements but also generate significant foreign exchange.
Dr Faiyaz Alam revealed that pilot initiatives have already begun across the country, yielding encouraging results, though much more research, investment, and institutional support are required.
A faculty member of KU’s Department of Food Science and Technology Dr Syed Muhammad Ghufran Saeed elaborated on the economic dimensions of olive cultivation. He described it as a potential ‘new economic revolution’ for Pakistan. The country currently imports oil worth approximately USD 4. 5 billion annually, he added.
He added that by promoting wild olive farming, Pakistan could reduce its dependence on imported oil, save foreign exchange, and strengthen its economic sovereignty.
He emphasized that olive cultivation would also contribute to climate change mitigation, as large scale plantation helps reduce carbon emissions and environmental pollution.
Chairman Gulshan Town Karachi Dr Fauad Ahmed reflected on the broader social and ethical dimensions of tree plantation. He described planting trees as the best way to restore Pakistan to its natural state and to ‘pay back’ the country.
He reminded participants that the land bestowed upon us by Allah, along with its environment and all living creatures, must be protected as part of our collective responsibility.
The Chief Executive Officer of United King Sheikh Tahseen highlighted the global urgency of tree plantation in the face of climate change. He described it as both a virtuous act and a pressing necessity, noting that every tree planted today represents a valuable investment for future generations. He underscored that plantation is not merely symbolic but a practical step toward ensuring environmental sustainability.
The KU Dean Faculty of Science Professor Dr Bilquees Gul addressed the growing challenges of food and water scarcity. She emphasized that alongside traditional crops, non traditional plants must also be cultivated to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding population.
She suggested that barren and non productive land could be effectively utilized for such plantation, thereby contributing to food security and ecological balance.
Earlier, Chairman Department of Food Science and Technology, Dr. Muhammad Abdul Haq, delivered the welcome address, outlining the objectives of the seminar and stressing the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing research and awareness.
He mentioned that the event not only highlighted the untapped potential of wild olive cultivation but also reinforced the University of Karachi’s role as a hub for scientific research, environmental advocacy, and economic innovation.
According to him, by bringing together voices from academia, civil society, and industry, the seminar offered a roadmap for how Pakistan can transform its natural resources into engines of growth, sustainability, and resilience.
The seminar concluded with the inauguration of an RO plant and a tree plantation campaign at KU’s Department of Food Science and Technology, symbolizing the institution’s commitment to practical action alongside academic discourse. The guests, faculty members and students also planted a sapling in front of the department’s building.
