GILGIT-BALTISTAN - Hashoo Foundation, reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action, organized an awareness session on waste management, sustainable living practices and collective responsibility for climate action, followed by a large-scale cleanliness drive in Chilas Town and Goner Farm, Gilgit-Baltistan. Held to commemorate Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, the event united local communities, village organizations, youth groups, government officials, and civil society members in a united effort to protect natural resources and promote eco-conscious living. This initiative was implemented under the Gilgit-Baltistan Local Area Development Programme (GBLADP), funded by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and locally implemented by Hashoo Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development in the region.
Although reports by UNFCCC suggest Pakistan contributes less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it ranks among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Rising temperatures, glacial melt, flash floods and erratic weather patterns threaten the Indus River system, which runs through the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan and sustains nearly 90% of Pakistan’s agriculture.
The event’s significance resonates with the goals of the Living Indus initiative, a flagship program of the Government of Pakistan to restore and protect the Indus Basin ecosystem. By reducing waste, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging community ownership of natural resources, the drive also aligns with national climate diplomacy objectives ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where global leaders will convene to advance the climate action agenda.
Speaking at the event, Chief Guest Manzoor Payam, Assistant Commissioner Chilas, said, “Protecting our environment is not just a local responsibility. It is part of our national and global commitment to future generations. Initiatives like these are proof that even small actions and grassroot level initiatives can contribute to big change.”
The cleanliness drive, which engaged residents across all age groups, collected and disposed of waste from public areas, while raising awareness on reducing single-use plastics, improving waste segregation, and preserving water resources. As part of over 1,300 civil society-led events across Pakistan, this nationwide initiative is jointly led by PPAF, the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety (MoPA&SS), and Paigham-e-Pakistan, highlighting the power of grassroots action and civic engagement in promoting peace, environmental stewardship, and national solidarity.
“This event is a powerful reminder that real change starts from within our communities,” said Haris Qayyum Khan, CEO Hashoo Foundation. “As we mark Independence Day, we honour not only our history but also our collective responsibility to shape a cleaner, climate-resilient and prosperous Pakistan.”
