ISLAMABAD: In a collaborative effort to promote environmental sustainability, over 150 students participated in a tree plantation drive organised by the East-West Centre Alumni Association Islamabad Chapter.
The event, held at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences of the International Islamic University Islamabad, was executed in partnership with the Rotary Club Islamabad Metropolitan. The drive underscored the growing commitment of academic institutions and civic groups to engage the younger generation in practical climate action.
The plantation drive was led by EWCA Islamabad Chapter President Tayyaba Gul, Professor and Acting Chairman of the Department of Environmental Sciences Dr Asad Ghufran, and Secretary General Faiz Paracha. Rotary Club Islamabad Metropolitan President Mian Shaukat Masood also participated in the activity and planted a tree.
Speaking on the occasion, Tayyaba Gul said collaborative initiatives of this nature not only contribute to environmental protection but also provide opportunities for institutions, students and communities to work together on issues of shared importance.
Former federal secretary for climate change and former EWCA Islamabad Chapter president Syed Abu Ahmed Akif stressed the importance of tree plantation and collective action in addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
Faiz Paracha thanked IIUI President Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Al-Ahmad, Vice President Higher Studies Dr Ahmed Shuja, Vice President Administration Dr Abdul Rasheed, Director Administration Adnan Khan, Horticulture In-charge Altaf Burki and Professor Nadeem Sheikh for their support and participation in the initiative.
A total of 100 plants were planted during the drive. Rotary Club Islamabad Metropolitan donated 50 shade trees, while the remaining plants were provided by the EWCA Islamabad Chapter.
Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2026
