Pak-EPA holds clean-up campaign at Margalla hills to mark World Environment Day 2025

ISLAMABAD: To commemorate World Environment Day 2025, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) successfully held a two-day clean-up campaign on Margalla Hills Trail 5.

The two-day clean-up drive, which concluded on Monday, was the starting point for Environment Week events and was in line with this year‘s international theme: “Eliminate Plastic Pollution.”

The campaign engaged 40 universities, civil society groups, and community volunteers who were organized in teams to collect litter along the picturesque trekking path systematically. 

During two days, over 500 kilograms of solid waste consisting of plastic wraps, throwaways, plastic bottles, and other non-biodegradable trash were cleaned from the trail.

The drive didn’t just target cleaning the trails but also public sensitization on sustainable waste management, proper consumption, and natural ecosystem protection. Being one of the most visited regions in Margalla Hills National Park, Trail 5 and Daman-e-Koh are plagued by ongoing litter and environmental degradation, and therefore priority regions for conservation.

Ms. Aisha Humera, Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination Secretary, spoke to the volunteers during the event, stating, “Let‘s realize and revise our promise for a clean environment. 

Laws and regulatory authorities are important, but their application comes from the people. Plastic is overwhelming our seas,   our food, and even our bodies. Informing people—particularly children—is important.“

I appeal to all of you to use sustainable practices, recycle extensively, and support biodegradable products. I salute the volunteers and students whose commitment leads us to envision a cleaner future, Aisha stated.