US envoy leads clean-up drive at Rawal Lake

To create awareness about the need for environmental protection, the US Embassy organised a clean-up campaign along the shores of Rawal Lake in Islamabad.

The event was held in connection with Earth Day marked on April 22 across the world. This year's theme, "Plastic vs Planet," underscores the urgent challenge of plastic pollution. In alignment with this theme, the American mission spearheaded a clean-up initiative at Rawal Lake.

US Deputy Ambassador to Pakistan, Andrew Schofer, actively participated in the drive by collecting garbage. This year's theme, "Plastic vs. Planet," underscores the urgent challenge of plastic pollution. In alignment with this theme, the American mission spearheaded a clean-up initiative at Rawal Lake.

The event was held in collaboration with WWF, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board. Several university students also took part in the drive and they diligently worked to clear the lake's banks of litter.

Addressing the media, Schofer remarked, "Today, on Earth Day, there's no better tribute than actively restoring our environment. Islamabad is our home, and it's our responsibility to keep it clean. We've been hosted by our Pakistani friends, and we must reciprocate by maintaining the beauty of our shared spaces. I encourage others to join us in these efforts to nurture a cleaner environment."

Students from NUST University, who actively participated in the cleanup, emphasised the collective responsibility to maintain cleanliness. They lamented the common practice of littering at tourist destinations, urging citizens to dispose of waste responsibly in dustbins.

Officials from the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board expressed concerns over plastic pollution, highlighting its detrimental impact on the environment. They stressed the need to reduce plastic use because it is one of the main causes of environmental pollution.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2024.