President Alvi kicks off plantation campaign

Urges people to follow Islamic teachings on cleanliness

KARACHI: President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi, who also hails from Sindh’s provincial capital, on Saturday launched ‘Clean and Green Pakistan’ campaign from Karachi by planting a tree and taking part in cleaning a street at the city’s Korangi area.

“Please plant as much trees as you can and stop throwing garbage in front of our houses,” said Alvi while addressing people in the area. “We should follow the teaching of our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) about hygiene,” he added.

During the ceremony, the president also invited Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar, who belongs to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), as well as workers and leaders of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to take part in the campaign.

Speaking to media-persons on the occasion, he pledged to resolve the water and sanitation issues of Karachi.

“Potable water and cleanliness are among the burning issues, which are also among the priorities of the PTI government. We are currently facing various environmental challenges. We should know the importance of trees to cope with soaring temperature,” he added.

Separately, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail also kicked off the campaign by planting a sampling.

“The city belongs to the people and they must take care of it collectively. People coming here must ensure cleanliness not only to make it more beautiful but also protect marine life,” he said. “The oceans are a blessing of the Almighty and Karachiites are fortunate to have this blessing.”

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan was very keen to see Sindh catch up with other parts of the county as it had been left far behind in all respects. The premier, he added, had announced various projects for the economic hub of Pakistan with an aim to restore its past glory.