PESHAWAR, July 16: NWFP Governor Khalilur Rehman on Saturday asked intelligentsia and the public opinion leaders to play an effective role in promoting awareness against pollution. Speaking at a gathering after a walk held by the Galiyat Development Authority, Shell Pakistan and the local Citizen’s Advisory Council in Nathiagali, the governor said continuous and comprehensive struggle was needed to control pollution. The theme of the event was ‘clean the mountains’.

He said sanitation problems caused health hazards and polluted streams and rivers.

He said hotels and shops in the region must ensure proper disposal of waste within their premises.

He said police and administration should also be conscious of their responsibilities regarding traffic and environment problems.

Shell Pakistan Chairman Farooq Rahmatullah said a local park had been rehabilitated and renovation of a historic mosque at Mochi Dhara and a church in the galiyat was in progress.

He said his organization had trained 200 public transport drivers. He said it had acquired 80 kanals between Abbottabad and Havelian to establish a solid waste treatment plant.

Nathiagali Citizens’ Advisory Council Chairman Saeed Qadir said educational institutions should also be made focal points in the efforts to control pollution.

The governor gave prizes to the drivers who had got distinctions in the training course arranged by Shell Pakistan.

The walk culminated at the Citizens’ Club after passing through the Nathiagali Bazaar and other roads.