ISLAMABAD, Sept 14 (INP): Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will soon launch “Gardeners’ Training Course” as a part of its efforts to promote ‘Green Pakistan’ campaign. It is four-month training course that could be participated by all interested persons to make their surrounding environment pleasant and conducive to their health. Providing education and training in the field of horticulture has been given further boost in the recent years, as part of the initiative taken by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui. Under the new academic program, updated gardening training will be provided to plant- lovers and professional gardeners According to Ms. Fauzia Anjum, Incharge Horticulture section, they have undertaken a number of measures to beautify landscape of the university’s premises. The university has recently developed AIOU Botanical Garden, which was formally inaugurated in November last year by the Vice Chancellor. It has well developed rose garden, a couple of green houses, besides starting a couple of other projects including “Cactus Garden”as well. The Rose garden is the most vibrant display of the gardeners’ expertise having more than 100 different varieties of roses. AIOU horticulture wing started working since the beginning of the University in 1974. It has a team of well trained professional gardeners who regularly participated in “flower displayshows” held twice a year with collaboration of CDA, Punjab Horticulture Authority Rawalpindi and other departments. The university has planted 2000 trees this year including Spring & Autumn tree Plantation Campaign across the campus and they will continue to grow more and more trees, involving its faculty and students.  The up-coming tree plantation campaign will involve regional campuses across the country.

INP/LK