ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam on Sunday commended civil society’s initiative to promote running as a healthy leisure activity while championing climate awareness.

Speaking at Margalla Hills Half Marathon organised at Trail-5 by the pioneer group of running, Islamabad Run With Us, she lauded the spirit of the participants and organisers.

She emphasised the significance of such endeavours in raising awareness about climate change and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The Margalla Hills Half Marathon witnessed over 150 participants, including diplomatic community members and foreigners, covering a distance of 21.1 kilometres along the scenic trail.

Over 150 people participate in Margalla Hills Half Marathon

Ms Alam emphasised the importance of conservation efforts, refusing single-use plastic bottles as part of her campaign against plastic pollution.

She also highlighted the role of the young people in combating plastic pollution and supporting government efforts in this regard.

She said, “Our youth, who are frontline contingent force, can play a pivotal role in ensuring a plastic-free environment by advocating for sustainable policies, developing skills in green industries, starting or joining green businesses and actively participating in the implementation of strategies to combat plastic pollution which is a major source of environmental degradation in our country.”

She urged the youth to take the lead and responsibility to overcome plastic pollution in the country, which has adversely contaminated our soil, water bodies, oceans, natural ecosystems and affected human and wildlife health.

The key challenge is educating and sensitising young people about adverse impacts of plastic pollution not only on our environment but also our lives.

She also called for collective action in preserving the environment, emphasising the role of the media in spreading awareness. She congratulated the winners and participants for their commitment to environmental conservation.

Rina Saeed Khan, Chairperson Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), praised the PM’s coordinator for her support to environmental causes and expressed gratitude to the media for their role in promoting conservation efforts.

Qasim Naz, the founder of Islamabad Run With Us, highlighted the event’s objective of promoting a healthy lifestyle and preserving the beauty of Margalla Hills National Park. He emphasised the club’s commitment to organising such events regularly.

Inab Khan and Mohammad Akhtar emerged as winners in the female and male categories, respectively.

The event’s success was also acknowledged by Israruddin, CEO of North Naturals, who emphasised the importance of collective efforts in addressing environmental challenges in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2024