HEAL Pakistan, in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), organised the Twin Cities’ largest cleanup drive at Rawal Lake on Friday, drawing more than 500 volunteers, mostly young people, who spent three hours clearing the lake’s shoreline of plastic bottles, wrappers, bags, discarded fishing lines and other waste.
HEAL Pakistan leads major Rawal Lake cleanup drive
ISLAMABAD, Aug 31 (APP): HEAL Pakistan, in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), organised the Twin Cities’ largest cleanup drive at Rawal Lake on Friday, drawing more than 500 volunteers, mostly young people, who spent three hours clearing the lake’s shoreline of plastic bottles, wrappers, bags, discarded fishing lines and other waste.
The cleanup drive was held from 3pm to 6pm and brought together volunteers from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and surrounding areas, including students from various universities and members of social welfare organisations.
The campaign was led by HEAL Pakistan founder Habib-ur-Rehman and his team, with CDA staff assisting volunteers throughout the activity and helping collect and dispose of the waste.
Volunteers removed a wide range of discarded material from the shoreline and adjoining areas, including plastic water bottles, juice pouches, wrappers, plastic bags, fishing lines and dead fish.
The organisers said the initiative was aimed not only at cleaning Rawal Lake but also at raising awareness among young people about climate change, environmental degradation and the need to protect natural resources.
Volunteers from the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), Progressive Climate Foundation, Roshni Foundation and other social welfare organisations also participated in the campaign.
At the closing ceremony, certificates were distributed among the volunteers. Chief guests included ADRC Chairman Advocate Tayyab Nawaz Malik, ADRC Vice Chairman Advocate Malik Asif Khan Awan, social figure Malik Allah Nawaz and Coordinator to the Governor Punjab Mudassir Nawaz Malik.
The guests praised the volunteers for their contribution and urged them to continue supporting efforts aimed at creating a cleaner and healthier environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Habib-ur-Rehman called on young people to work alongside public institutions instead of merely criticising them.
“Criticism alone cannot bring change; change begins with ourselves,” he said.
The organisers said the campaign reflected the growing role of young people in environmental protection and community-led efforts to address climate and pollution challenges.
The event concluded with lunch for the volunteers, followed by a music and entertainment session.
