A Disheartening Twist to a Promising Green Policy by KMU
By Aamer Zeb Sultan | A Concerned Climate Activist
As a climate activist, I have always sought hope in small yet meaningful institutional steps that contribute toward environmental sustainability. One such initiative that genuinely inspired me was Khyber Medical University’s (KMU) policy under Examination Regulations 2017 (Amended 2023d), specifically Item No. 32, Serial No. 1. The regulation stipulates that any student found talking during an examination would be penalized—not through fines or suspension—but by being required to plant 15 trees within their institute or any other KMU-affiliated college. A certificate of compliance was to be submitted through the head of the respective institution.
Reading this policy felt like a breath of fresh air. At a time when climate change threatens our very existence, this initiative symbolized the kind of forward-thinking approach our academic institutions should adopt. I even considered highlighting this remarkable clause in the media and across digital platforms as a model policy worthy of replication by other universities across Pakistan.
However, my optimism was short-lived.
Reports from several KMU students have left me deeply disappointed. Instead of ensuring the plantation of real trees, students have reportedly been instructed to submit two artificial plants (minimum height: 3 feet) along with purchase receipts. Wait—what? Artificial plants? At the cost of thousands of rupees per student?
This is a blatant deviation from the spirit and letter of the regulation. The policy calls for real plantation, aimed at promoting environmental consciousness and a practical contribution to combating climate change. Substituting real plants with plastic plants not only nullifies the intended environmental impact but also imposes an unnecessary financial burden on students.
The use of plastic plants has an adverse effect on the environment, as highlighted by a study from the University of Plymouth, which was noted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The report warns against the rising popularity of plastic plants, noting that despite their claimed recyclability, many contain harmful chemicals, making recycling problematic. Promoting artificial greenery, the study concludes, is “at odds with the goals of the proposed United Nations ‘End Plastic Pollution’ resolution.”
In light of these developments, I strongly condemn the poor implementation of what was a genuinely progressive and eco-friendly policy by KMU. It is not just an issue of environmental mismanagement, but also one of fairness to students who are being misled and forced to pay for a practice that contradicts the principles of sustainability.
I call upon fellow environmentalists, students, and responsible citizens to raise their voices. Let us urge KMU to implement this policy in its true essence—with real trees, real environmental impact, and genuine commitment. Only then can such initiatives fulfill their purpose and inspire broader change.
