Environment Day marked with call to end plastic pollution

Islamabad:In observance of World Environment Day 2025, the Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan Memorial Association (AHKMA), in collaboration with SZABIST University Islamabad and the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), organized a high-impact event at SZABIST to raise awareness about the dangers of plastic waste and to honor grassroots efforts that are reshaping waste management practices through sustainable and community-centered solutions, says a press release.

In her welcome address, Sumaira Gul, CEO of AHKMA, underscored the urgency of environmental action and reaffirmed the organization’s long-standing commitment to sustainability through its pioneering work in door-to-door waste collection and the development of Integrated Resource Recovery Centres (IRRCs).

“Our work at the community level is focused on reducing the waste footprint by targeting households—where the problem begins—before it spills into our streets, drains, rivers, and eventually, the oceans,” she said.

Reflecting on this year’s World Environment Day theme—“Ending Plastic Pollution”—Sumaira Gul drew a powerful link between global environmental challenges and local solutions, noting:

“Plastic waste may be a global crisis, but our response starts right at our doorstep. Through citizen engagement in segregated waste disposal and recovery, our IRRCs have successfully diverted tonnes of plastic and organic waste from landfills and open dumps, converting them into recyclable materials and compost.”

The event gathered students, faculty, environmentalists, and policymakers, Pak-EPA Director Dr Mohsina, Dr Sofia Khalid from Allama Iqbal Open University, e-Guard CEO Hamid Ullah, NCA Wash Coordinator Mazhar Ali, Dr Basharat from Consultant5, PPP leader Malik Najeeb and others and featured robust discussions on circular economy principles, waste reduction innovations, and Pakistan’s role in global negotiations under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) toward a treaty to end plastic pollution.

Representatives from Pak-EPA echoed the urgent need for stronger enforcement, policy alignment, and public participation. They emphasized UNEP’s Beat Plastic Pollution campaign and the importance of the 5Rs—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink plastic use.