ISLAMABAD, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday launched a countrywide spring tree plantation drive in urban areas to curb the growing smog pollution in the country.

Addressing the launching ceremony in the country's east Lahore city, Khan said planting trees is one of the long-term plans of his government to secure the future of coming generations by protecting them from the adverse effects of climate change.

Khan cited China's example of planting trees at a massive level to control pollution and provide a clean environment to its public.

Calling China's development a "miracle", Khan said that the Chinese leadership did long-term planning to bring prosperity to the country, and to address the issue of deforestation caused by industrialization, it paid attention to urban plantation.

"China is also growing jungles and is declaring its cities as green cities to secure the future of its coming generations," Khan added.

The Pakistani prime minister said Lahore's green cover has vanished by 70 percent during the last 12-13 years. Resultantly, the skyline of the city was engulfed by smog even in February which otherwise is used to be the best month of the year in the city.

He said he would also visit the plantation sites in other areas and announced plans to launch a "silent revolution" of massive olive plantations by next week in the country to reduce the import bill of edible oils and to enhance exports. Enditem

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