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A British diplomat is cleaning trash in Islamabad and Wasim Akram is ashamed for all of us

A British diplomat is cleaning trash in Islamabad and Wasim Akram is ashamed for all of us

"Now this is really embarrassing," he replied to British High Commissioner Christian Turner.
07 May, 2021

You would assume that an early morning walk in the green-capped Margalla Hills in Islamabad would be a pleasurable experience but the reality of the situation is far from serene, as proved by British High Commissioner Christian Turner who went for a walk and came back with two bags full of garbage he collected on the trail.

"Another Friday morning walk, another two bags of litter. Safaai nisf imaan hai [cleanliness is half of faith]," he posted on Twitter with a picture of himself holding two bags full of garbage.

Now you would think that seeing this would embarrass public officials but Hamza Shafqaat, the Islamabad deputy commissioner (read: officially employed and being paid to serve the public) praised Turner for doing a job he was responsible for overseeing.

"Great," he replied, much to the astonishment of the public. Perhaps a more appropriate response would have been: "I'm sorry you had to do this, my administration will work harder and try to pick up trash too".

He later clarified that his intention was misunderstood but you know what they say about the internet, what you say on it lives on forever.

Unlike him, cricketer Wasim Akram who has been vocal about pollution and climate change and taken part in beach cleaning activities with his wife Shaneira, realised how shameful the situation was for locals who continue to dump garbage in the area, as well as for the administration, who have no infrastructure and system in place to clean it.

"Now this is really embarrassing. Where are we heading?" he sighed, grateful to the high commissioner for taking up something that was not his responsibility. "And thanks Mr Turner for doing this almost every week," he added.

Naturally, people were both ashamed and irritated.

Pakistanis, do better in keeping your country clean. It's 2021, and we cannot believe we still need to say this. And government officials, stop thinking other people coming in and cleaning up is "great". He shouldn't have to do this.

Comments

Chrís Dăn May 07, 2021 05:03pm
The most tragicpart of reality is that this trail is known for walks by VIPs of Islamabad such as MPs and high profile bureaucrates.
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Jo May 07, 2021 05:06pm
We're just selfish and care less. We just do everything opposite to everything our religion tells us. Sad and shamed by what foreign nationals think about us!
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Khaled May 07, 2021 05:06pm
We should be ashamed.
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M. Saeed May 07, 2021 05:09pm
It is surprising that the British HC is using unprotected hands to collect and carry garbage.
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Abbasshah May 07, 2021 05:12pm
It’s really shameful,Excellency you’re very right,our officers and politicians r only good at show offs ,for perks and privileges .Such lowly jobs they is only for poor Pakistanis to perform.Iron bars are fixed in high up’s necks due to haughtiness.
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Thinking May 07, 2021 05:17pm
Where is muslim and non muslim here? Why do Pakistanis want to lean over religion in the matter of environment? Europe and US are very clean, does it mean Christians are cleaner than muslims
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Nick, NY May 07, 2021 05:29pm
All schools should incorporate a course on cleanliness and etiquette for primary schools students!
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Ahsan Gul May 07, 2021 05:35pm
Indeed, so embarrassing to see that our inhabitants at Islamabad have no sense to keep their city clean. A beautiful city with astonishing scenery will gradually turn into a garbage disposal center. Sincerely
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Ignorant May 07, 2021 05:41pm
I was cleaning trash at a park 20 years ago. A (gentle)lady told her 6 year old to give their empty chips bag to me! Minhas ul Qaum hamarey liye “safai nisf insane” hay he nahin.
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HKL May 07, 2021 06:23pm
Citizens - it is simple. If everyone picked up just one more piece of litter than they dropped, the problem would disappear in a moment. Lest we forget - “And do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.”
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Brownflower May 07, 2021 06:24pm
Wasim Akram should be more ashamed of his past in match fixing than these dramas.
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Saif Zulfiqar May 07, 2021 06:25pm
I was born, brought up and educated in Kharadar, Karachi. During British rule the streets were washed by water but same streets of Kharadar are so dirty that your shoes will go dirty.
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ENGR Hamid Shafiq May 07, 2021 06:27pm
Whole nation ashamed
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bhaRAT© May 07, 2021 06:33pm
People here should be ashamed for throwing litter everywhere like that. A good lesson to all from the Honourable High Commissioner.
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TAHIR JAHANGIR May 07, 2021 06:33pm
Its also the lack of trash cans on the major walks. If CDA is unable to provide these I can organise these through voluntary work and corporate help. Not only install the trash cans but also collect the rubbish deposited. Its been done admirably by the GDA and WWF on some the trails in Nathiagali .
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Ibrahim May 07, 2021 06:34pm
Perhaps Wasim Akram doesn't know the Pakistani version of Islam. It's job of Christians to clean the LAND OF PURE . Muslim in Pakistan can't clean even their houses and mosques , its against our religion
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Kiwi May 07, 2021 07:30pm
It is very embarrassing that Muslims fail to follow cleanliness and now others are teaching us how to clean up after ourselves.
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A May 07, 2021 07:31pm
It’s ok even if you shower Friday to Friday but you must keep the surroundings clean.
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Aslam Khan USA May 07, 2021 07:37pm
What s shame
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ZAK May 07, 2021 07:37pm
Pakistani only knows how to entertain themselves through Tik Tok, Youtube, instagram, and Facebook they are all over the place, and on the ground they do nothing.
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TenJee May 07, 2021 07:40pm
Unfortunately this seems to be something in the Pakistani mentality. In the UK for example, the dirtiest neighbourhoods and streets are those were the majority are Pakistanis. Casually throwing litter. Worse is when they drive out to nice locations because they are ... nice ... then proceed to dump their take away food and drinks rubbish there. Even when there are bins nearby!! Other modes of inconsiderate behaviour are the way we park cars, and even drive recklessly. Just today on my walk back from Jumma I witnessed quite the most in your face example of driving without due care and consideration. The worst is around masjids - no wonder it is hard to get planning permission to build new one. I doubt I'd like to live next to one, and I'm a nimaazi!!! But, having said that, I must also say that having done some work with fundraisers these same uncouth litterbugs tend to be the most generous when it comes to giving charity.
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Kamran May 07, 2021 07:45pm
@Saif Zulfiqar Now in current days you are enjoying life in west.
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S Ali May 07, 2021 07:51pm
@Brownflower there are plenty of bad apples like you that have nothing positive to say..
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Chrís Dăn May 07, 2021 08:18pm
@Thinking All secular countries are civilized.
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Sayyar Khan May 07, 2021 08:31pm
@Chrís Dăn they are the dirtiest if they were clean this won’t be an issue
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Ibrahim May 07, 2021 08:46pm
Tigger force clearly suitable for the cleanup task
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Parvez May 07, 2021 09:06pm
The British diplomat has rightly shamed us....but on a much larger scale doesn't Britain fell ashamed for harboring money launderers, criminals who loot poor countries and are given sanctuary in Britain ?
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Ahmed Ali May 07, 2021 09:11pm
We should get rid of these Commissioner system, who do nothing expect enjoying all the prevelege and wasting the tax payer money, this is the result of the quota system.
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Jaredlee007 May 07, 2021 09:12pm
Only people with clean hearts know the real meaning of cleanliness. The rest only engage in cheap talk.
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St. Mercury May 07, 2021 09:39pm
About 10 years ago I took my first American born teenager to Pakistan. As the plane came close to landing, she asked my why there are so many plastic bags everywhere?
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad May 07, 2021 09:50pm
What a grim, gross and great tragedy?
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Tariq Awan May 07, 2021 10:54pm
We need more British Diplomats in Pakistan!
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Masood Khan May 07, 2021 11:02pm
Don't worry Amb. Turner ; these same brand of Pakistanis are in Liverpool. I was there last year and the filth is oozing out from every house, rich or poor. These type of people are spread all over the world and make this a cesspool.
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ivehadit May 07, 2021 11:05pm
i've seen it first hand - horrible behavior. anyone been to Quaid - e- Azam University. it's tough to see the grass for all the trash thats in the grounds.
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Ali May 07, 2021 11:10pm
Did Wasim feel Ashamed for all of us when he was fixing matches?
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Pew May 07, 2021 11:28pm
Shameless society has no shame. What can you do then?
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ShadowLugia May 07, 2021 11:32pm
The issue is lack of trash bins. Imran should start a 1 Billion trash bins drive.
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Such Bolta Hoon May 07, 2021 11:37pm
These 'babus' of beaureacracy think they are the untouchables and no one say anything to them. They need to know fully understand the term its 'public service' ( awaam ki khidmat) not public to serve them (awaam say khidmat). This whole culture needs to change.
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Mansur Ul Haque May 07, 2021 11:39pm
Good to see British ambassador proving something.
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yasmin May 07, 2021 11:41pm
its a lessen for our civic deptt :
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Pir Raza Shah May 07, 2021 11:45pm
There is zero implementation of bylaws in our country. Strict implementation with big amounts of penalties could work as educating the people on this subject will take a long time. Same people cannot do this when they are Europe or some other bylaws abiding countries. regards
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Sami May 07, 2021 11:47pm
Does anyone remember”safai nisf imaan hai”?
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Pir Raza Shah May 07, 2021 11:47pm
Strict implementation of bylaws with huge penalties is a quick solution across the board all over the country. regards
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qalandar khan May 08, 2021 12:00am
Thankyou very much Mr. Turner. I hope Pakistanis have learnt some lesson.
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Cye May 08, 2021 12:06am
Mr. Turner clean your country as well from all the corrupt people and their trillions, who your country gave a safe heaven.
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Engr Nasir May 08, 2021 12:27am
Instead of shaming., let's promise all that we not spread garbage . Collect and throw at propet place and do our part in society.
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Abraham haque May 08, 2021 12:42am
@Ibrahim thank you
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Ameer Abbas May 08, 2021 12:47am
After 73 years again the Britishs have to take the administrative charger of the country....
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Waheed UK May 08, 2021 01:03am
Three critical issues here: lack of proper system fir garbage collection by the local administration, proper infrastructure for disposal of garbage collected and lack of public awareness about and bad habit of throwing garbage and litters anywhere without any consideration and concern for the environment. This selfish and ignorant attitude must change . Perhaps school should start educating the pupils at an early age and the children can educate parents not throw litters anywhere they fancy!! Thank you anyone who cares for the environment and especially British HC Christian Turner for efforts to make a difference and leading by example. Perhaps desi babus should learn from his example even though they may prefer to commit suicide than do this!!!!
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ambreen May 08, 2021 01:21am
Kitne pyar se chamaat mara hai but ehsas hi nahi is qom ko ! Believe me people in SE Asia need to clean their cities for the planet to be liveable !
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Pew May 08, 2021 01:31am
This should job for tiger force
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Redchilli May 08, 2021 01:42am
For Mr turner its burning calories and for us its picking up trash. Good job
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belinda May 08, 2021 01:58am
It is simple if you produce and throw garbage you are rich. poor have nothing to throw so they may as well clean.
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Dr. Qureshi May 08, 2021 02:04am
Here in US, trails are clean but once in a while a teenager or a foreigner will leave a bottle or napkin on the trail but some responsible hiker will pick it pick it up and dispose it properly. I routinely take part with fellow Rotarians to clean parks and trails. All trails in US are maintained by volunteers. It could be a good project for Islamabad Rotary Club.
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Jag May 08, 2021 02:54am
I wonder if the local administration, provides garbage bins for the locals to throw their rubbish in. Also signs saying a Rs 1000 fine applies for littering.
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John May 08, 2021 02:55am
All Islamabad elite are busy living a life of above and beyond rule of law.
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Syed Nazim May 08, 2021 03:23am
Some body should survey the area to see if government has designated place for collection of garbage, And placed garbage bins at several places and staff for regular lifting. If so we should not throw all blames on DC. If this not so Dy Commissioner or who ever is responsible should punished. The remarks of Dy Commissioner shows standard of bureaucracy in Pakistan.
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Gah May 08, 2021 03:44am
Clearly religion is overrated.
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Ali da Malanga May 08, 2021 03:49am
Was Wasim Akram also embarrassed by the match-fixing that he was involved with in the past?
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Farhan Shahid Khan May 08, 2021 03:49am
What can DC Islamabad do here. Littering can't be cleaned by govt alone. It's everyone's responsibility not to throw trash. We have diverted the responsibility towards DC but infact we are all responsible
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Ehsan k May 08, 2021 04:04am
This diplomat does have a point but he is misusing his position and interfering in an issue over which he has no mandate or jurisdiction. Unless Pakistan is a colony of UK, he doesn't have the authority to poke his nose in a domestic issue of a foreign independent state. But considering how most Pakistanis have a slavish mentality, it serves them right to be insulted by a foreign diplomat.
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Ahmad May 08, 2021 04:17am
Y our celebrities keep telling us how ashamed they are? Were we ashamed when they used drugs, threw away games, fixed matches and polarized team? Never. We knew what they are. So waseem shall learn lesson from this good man and start doing sth good for Country and nation.
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SZS May 08, 2021 04:25am
Absolutely unprofessional attitude. Defying all bounds of diplomatic norms and humiliating the host nation by posting such pic or even posing for it. HC should review his conduct. Both Pakistan and UK Foreign Offices should ask explanation from the gentleman. You can not imitate Mrs. Shaneira Akram; she does that in a different capacity. A diplomat has to be sensitive enough and avoid such media appearances ridiculing the country of their assignment. Nothing to brag about. There are a number of locations in London where a Pakistani diplomat can go and create such a scene. Highly non-diplomatic Mr HC.
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skb May 08, 2021 04:55am
@Khaled The country should be ashamed, but ... they grow insensitive to these every day.
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Amjad Khan May 08, 2021 05:48am
I request Maulana Fazlurrehman and chief of TLP to put all their followers to clean the entire country from garbage.This will be true service to nation and religion and Jamaat Islami can join in this noble cause also.Forget about politicians they litter in more than one way.
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Pursuit May 08, 2021 05:56am
Uncivilised nation and thug leaders!
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Naeem Ghafoor May 08, 2021 06:01am
This trail is used mostly by rich folks living around, so better not leave behind your mess. The money government can save by firing all cleaning crew and let other ambassadors, secretaries, generals and other rich businessman take up the responsibility.
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IMRAN QURAISHI May 08, 2021 07:25am
If this is considered as news then I am really shocked at Dawn's officials who would let this story be published. To be honest, the story has nothing that would attract and interest common readers. Please refrain from posting such ridiculous and low interest news in the future. Such new don't do any justice to Dawn's reputation. This has been the state of affairs in the entire country from day one ever since Pakistan came into existence. People littering, garbage not being picked up, no proper system to dispose solid waste etc etc. Please find a better story to publish next time and not the same old story that we have been talking about for the last 50 plus years. Hope I was not too harsh. Thanks
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Rahim May 08, 2021 08:25am
We should Wasim Akram the PM. Sultan of swing can deliver the goods for the nation
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FAHEEM JAVED May 08, 2021 09:33am
But the point is where do we throw it away ?
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Nadeem Shehzad May 08, 2021 09:58am
This is embarrassing for the whole nation. Tough measures of fines are the only way to discouraging people from littering. Some of the same people never litter, and properly use trash receptacles if they are aboard, because they know if they ae caught, penalties will be severe
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AK May 08, 2021 10:07am
Islamabad is drowning in garbage. travel by road to GB often and going through many towns in KPK it is disgusting to see pile of garbage. It is common to see people throw trash out car windows. Police must be on the lookout of this. Similarly municipality must require shop and home owners to keep areas around their properties clean and free of trash. What's the point of a billion trees if we are drowning in garbage.
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A May 08, 2021 10:12am
Ok.. just appreciate and motivate him Pakistani style. Let him bring in few more goras to work.
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Ukhtar May 08, 2021 10:28am
@Brownflower Why bring it to a headline and tell the world the dirty part about our country . Wasim Akram If can not contribute to positivity should better keep his nose out of Pakistan affairs and be more concerned about Australia and India.
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Thunderbird May 08, 2021 10:32am
Question for Mr Hamza , how many garbage bins are provided at the hills ? Your mantra about "everyone's responsibly to keep it clean" means you have no responsibility ? Every major city has cleaning / garbage collection department and it's is primarily its responsibility to keep the city nicely clean. Apparently you are not doing your job well.
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RHS May 08, 2021 10:54am
Wasim Akram is right.
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F N May 08, 2021 11:32am
Of course we are Muslims only in name. This won't faze us one bit.
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Daredevil May 08, 2021 11:49am
Appreciated.
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Abdul Zaheer May 08, 2021 12:53pm
I think we should avoid argu and everyone understand their resposibility and try to keep clean enviorment. Please be civilised.
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Aamir Akram May 08, 2021 01:15pm
..and there is the difference. some people and countries talk Islam and others live it!
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Arif May 08, 2021 01:18pm
Photo op drama. No gloves no mask. I remember in Sheffield, there was litter along the hiking path and students would go volunteer to clean it up. Oh. Was Wasim Akram only ashamed or did he decide to fly to Islamabad to help his excellency?
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Chrís Dăn May 08, 2021 02:09pm
@SZS you are a shameless pak8stani and you are a sample of our rotten system.
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Ibrahim May 08, 2021 02:52pm
@Ahmad - please listen to what’s being squad instead of who’s saying it. Question is , would you go out and clean up garbage next to your house.
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AHSAN NAJMI May 08, 2021 03:12pm
Would Mr. Turner like to say a word or two about the political trash from Pakistan and elsewhere which his country is historically famous for collecting.
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AGHA PASHA May 08, 2021 03:26pm
@Khaled No need to be ashamed but try teach ourselves first. Such garbage scenes can be seen in street of London and other UK cities. Wish I could post here !
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AGHA PASHA May 08, 2021 03:33pm
My dear countrymen and foreigners living here, please see Mr Turner is trying to get popularity by showing such pictures as you well such garbage is left by visitors in UK and USA cities . of course it is duty of all citizens to leave garbage in bins around. I wish I could post London garbage photos here . I will try posting London garbage photos on Twitter. Thanks
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Waheed UK May 08, 2021 04:09pm
It is hoped that the British HC Christian Turner is litter picking from Margalla hills trails in his personal capacity as a human being and his concern for the environment and respect for the host country rather than as a foreign ambassador as this would be considered interference in the host country’s internal matter in a public manner which would be considered insensitive and naive for someone in his position. After all despite having public bins in designated areas people still throw litters anywhere in UK too .Perhaps the experience gained there will enable him to pick up a job in UK as a litter collection expert!!
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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi May 08, 2021 05:30pm
I took it other way round. HC should not have publicized himself alike because it gives me an impression that he did it for self-glorification which is neither desired nor called for to be honest. zaidi4merdiplomat@hotmail.com
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RRL May 08, 2021 07:35pm
Dirty place!
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Hello world May 08, 2021 07:37pm
Great gesture from Chris - respect to him. Once he has finished there he is welcome to help Bournemouth beach which becomes litter infested after a nice hot day at the beach. Global problem.
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Moosa Al Athar May 08, 2021 07:45pm
Shame on Pakistanis. Are we ever going to have some civic sense?
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Zak May 08, 2021 11:07pm
The Ambassador must love Pakistan and Islamabad to do what he is doing. Salute to you, sir.
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Nk May 09, 2021 12:33am
Trash and Katchi abadis are two eyesores of Pakistan.
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Ihsan Illahi May 09, 2021 01:26am
Its so embarissing for our nation and Exclusively for our so called Administration shameful for administrative department and the powers which appoint non experienced people....As a general Public we should treat our city like our home
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Idrees Ahmad May 09, 2021 04:00am
Its photo session. Why he giving pose.
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TEHAMI AZMAT May 09, 2021 12:47pm
We should take care, clean and green Environment plays a vital role in our lives.
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Faizan May 09, 2021 02:34pm
He should also talk about the trash British empire left behind in India and Pakistan with 300 years of colonisation
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Gaffer May 09, 2021 07:09pm
When the British ruled the subcontinent for 200 years they did not teach the illetrate nation to understand what is cleaning us, our religion says cleaning is half IEMAN
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Zulfiqar May 10, 2021 01:29pm
@M. Saeed He is probably only a kalima away from being Muslim. More Muslim than perhaps most of us.
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Zulfiqar May 10, 2021 01:33pm
@Thinking as part of their religion muslims are suppose to be clean all the time. Eg performing wudu with water before prayer, etc. Cleanliness is a part of belief for a Muslim . Unclean spaces attract shyateen and clean spaces repel shyateen. This is all part of faith.
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Sameer Waheed May 10, 2021 01:44pm
This is just shameful. I used to get into a verbal argument with people throwing away chewed sugarcane from the window of a bus.
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Zulfiqar May 10, 2021 02:05pm
@Faizan what has that got to do with us not cleaning our trash. What the British did was wrong but what Ambassodor turner did was right. Don’t confuse the issue and give credit where it’s due.
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Kosar May 12, 2021 02:48pm
It reminds me wedera's/ patharidar loot around through decoits, & patronise . if ambassador really wants to clean Pak. Return our looted wealth & looters weather MNS/ Ishaq dar or xyz
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