Eco-friendly roads planned in Abbottabad

Initiative aims to promote sustainable infrastructure, reduce environmental waste

ABBOTTABAD:

Vice Chancellor of Abbottabad University, Professor Dr Tahir Irfan Khan, reaffirmed the university's strong commitment to continued collaboration with the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Abbottabad for the launch of a groundbreaking initiative to construct roads using plastic and other recycled raw materials.

A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Abbottabad University and TMA Abbottabad. The signing ceremony was led by VC Professor Dr Tahir Irfan Khan and TMO Abbottabad Mian Shafiq ur Rehman. Among the distinguished attendees were Additional Registrar Staff Iftikhar Hussain, Head of the Department of IMMME Dr Ijaz, Director of Administration Staff Ajmal Khan, MD of PIPS College of Pharmacy Sheikh Mahmood, Dr Hasnain, Assistant Director Administration and PSVC Adeel Khan, Shiraz Khan, and several others.

Professor Dr Tahir Irfan Khan noted that the project, titled "Abbottabad Smart City: Eco-Friendly Renewable Technology Initiative," is the first of its kind in Pakistan. Launched in collaboration with TMA Abbottabad, the project aims to utilise plastic waste and other sustainable materials to construct environmentally friendly roads — marking a significant step toward green infrastructure in the region.

An official agreement was finalised between the two institutions to implement plastic-based road construction within Abbottabad.

Speaking at the event, TMO Mian Shafiqur Rehman expressed his appreciation for VC Dr Tahir Irfan Khan's visionary leadership and dedication to regional development. He emphasized that this innovative partnership between TMA and Abbottabad University will play a pivotal role in national progress by transforming waste into valuable construction resources. He further praised the university's administration for its proactive role under Dr Khan's leadership.

Additional Registrar Staff Iftikhar Hussain assured that the university will continue to fully support the initiative, in line with the VC's directives, ensuring seamless coordination with TMA Abbottabad.

In his concluding remarks, VC Khan emphasised that the advancement of students, the university, and regional development remain his top priorities.

He underscored the significance of this initiative as a regional first and commended the TMO and MD Sheikh Mahmood of PIPS College of Pharmacy for their exceptional interest and contributions to the project.

Dr Khan also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Department of IMMME and the university's administrative team in driving the initiative forward. The core objective of the agreement is to promote the modern and sustainable use of plastic and recyclable materials in infrastructure, with continued collaboration from the TMO and his team.

At the conclusion of the event, Director of Administration Ajmal Khan and Assistant Director Adeel Khan extended gratitude to all participants. Shields were formally exchanged between the VC and TMO. Additional shields were presented by the VC to Additional Registrar, Director, and MD in recognition of their outstanding contributions.