Pak-EPA cleans up Margalla Hills

Islamabad: Ahead of the World Environment Day, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) carried out a clean-up drive on Margalla Hills Trail 5.

The initiative launched Environment Week activities in line with the global theme: “Eliminate Plastic Pollution.” Over 40 volunteers from universities, civil society, and local communities joined forces, collecting over 500kg of plastic wrappers, bottles and other waste from the popular hiking trail.

The effort aimed to raise awareness about sustainable waste management and the protection of natural ecosystems, especially given Trail 5’s high footfall and ongoing littering issues. Addressing the volunteers, Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Aisha Humera stressed the importance of public support and education to tackle plastic pollution.

“Plastic waste is invading our oceans, food, and even our bodies,” she said. “Sustainable habits and community action are key to a greener future.” Pak-EPA Director General Nazia Zeb Ali said the drive was about more than just cleaning the hills—it’s about changing community attitudes toward the environment. Participants said plastic bags remained a major pollutant, taking decades to degrade and threatening both wildlife and soil.