The Tajik President, who planted a Magnolia Grandiflora tree, praised the natural beauty of the federal capital and said green character of the city was impressive. He lauded efforts of the Authority to make the city green and added he himself was fond of gardening and environmentalist.
The Chairman CDA briefed the foreign dignitary about the history of Capital and the tradition of planting trees at the Memorial Garden. He said it was the place where the Federal Cabinet met for first time in 1960 to approve plan of the Federal Capital Islamabad.
The tree plantation site is a historic place where a large number of head of states and government have planted trees during their visit to Islamabad.
The tradition of plantation by foreign heads of states and governments at the garden began on February 21, 1964, with Zhou Enlai, the first Premier of the People's Republic of China, who sowed a seed of the Chinese Tallow Tree in the memorial garden.
He was informed that the Authority was planning to develop the place by establishing a gallery of photographs with brief introduction of dignities who planted the trees.
The Chairman CDA also presented a Magnolia tree, as token of friendship which would be sent to Tajikistan later.
Minister for Water and Power Kh Muhammad Asif, who was also Minister-in-waiting along with Member Environment Syed Mustafain Kazmi and senior officers of the Authority were also present on this occasion.