Over 500 Volunteers, Mostly Youth and Gen Z, Join Major Cleanup Drive in Collaboration with CDA

Brussels/Islamabad, (Unib Rashid) – HEAL Pakistan Organization, in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), organized what was described as the Twin Cities’ largest cleanup drive at Rawal Lake, bringing together more than 500 volunteers, predominantly from the younger generation.

The three-hour cleanup campaign was held from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Friday, with participants from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and surrounding areas, including students from various universities and members of different social welfare organizations.

Volunteers cleaned the shoreline and surrounding areas of Rawal Lake, collecting significant amounts of waste, including plastic water bottles, juice pouches, food wrappers, plastic bags, discarded fishing lines and dead fish.

The cleanup drive was led by the founder of HEAL Pakistan Organization, Habib-ur-Rehman, along with his team. CDA officials and staff remained present throughout the campaign to guide and support the volunteers. The authority also assisted in the collection and proper disposal of the waste gathered during the drive.

Speaking on the occasion, HEAL Pakistan founder Habib-ur-Rehman emphasized the importance of cooperation between young people and public institutions in bringing positive change.

“Instead of merely criticizing our institutions, we as young people need to work with them and support them,” he said. “Criticism alone cannot bring change; change begins with ourselves.”

The event was attended by several prominent social and community figures. The chief guests included ADRC Chairman Advocate Tayyab Nawaz Malik, ADRC Vice Chairman Advocate Malik Asif Khan Awan, social figure Malik Allah Nawaz, and Mudassir Nawaz Malik, Coordinator to the Governor of Punjab.

Addressing the participants, the guests appreciated the efforts of the volunteers and encouraged young people to continue playing an active role in environmental protection and community development.

Volunteers from the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), Progressive Climate Foundation, Roshni Foundation, and several other social welfare organizations from across the Twin Cities also participated in the campaign.

At the conclusion of the event, certificates were distributed among the volunteers in recognition of their contribution and commitment to environmental conservation. Lunch was also served to the participants, followed by a jamming session and entertainment activities.

HEAL Pakistan Organizes Twin Cities’ Largest Cleanup Drive at Rawal Lake. pic.twitter.com/EEol7k2ns8

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According to the HEAL Pakistan team, the initiative was aimed not only at cleaning the Rawal Lake area but also at raising awareness about climate change, environmental pollution and the collective responsibility of citizens to protect natural resources for future generations.

The organizers said the overwhelming participation of young people demonstrated a growing commitment among Pakistan’s youth to environmental protection and sustainable community action.