As Pakistan confronts toxic smog, climate stress and governance gaps, a new wave of young civic leaders is stepping forward — youth who see service as responsibility. Lahore’s worsening air-pollution crisis has become a symbol of urban neglect, and among those responding with purpose is Syed Kashf Ahmed, widely known as the Shah of Lahore. He is mobilising citizens to restore both their environment and their civic spirit.
Through initiatives blending technology, culture and community engagement, Kashf has inspired thousands of young Pakistanis to join volunteer-led projects in education, climate resilience and neighbourhood development. His platform MilKar Pakistan, once a small emergency-coordination effort, has grown into a national framework that links universities, NGOs and volunteers, matching community needs with citizen skills and turning goodwill into measurable action.
Kashf also leads the Digital Development Lab (DDL), a centre for civic innovation using dialogue and storytelling to promote social harmony and environmental responsibility. In recent years, DDL has focused heavily on Lahore’s recurring smog emergency. Its initiatives — plantation drives, air-quality monitoring and awareness campaigns — encourage practical behavioural changes: planting native trees, reducing vehicle emissions, saving energy and supporting cleaner transport.
Partnerships with the EU, the UN and others have strengthened these community efforts. Local campaigns like LifeAtLahore and Lahore Cares have revived public green spaces, placed bird feeders and promoted sustainable living — showing that even modest civic acts can rebuild trust and restore ecology.
Recognised with the Commonwealth Innovation Award, QS Impact Biodiversity Award and Prime Minister’s Youth Excellence Award, Kashf emphasises that strong systems — not personalities — ensure lasting progress. His upcoming Youth Majlis aims to unite young civic and cultural leaders for climate cooperation and creative governance.
Through civic innovation and environmental action, the Shah of Lahore reflects a rising movement of Pakistani youth determined to build a cleaner, kinder and more connected future.
Malaika Rafaqat
Lahore
