In an effort to increase commitment towards environmental sustainability, NIC Peshawar collaborated with the Swedish Institute Alumni Pakistan – North Chapter launching the Plastic free week challenge in Peshawar. The event focused on the importance of achieving environmental and climate sustainability goals better referred to as SDGs by the United Nations General Assembly. The increase in pollution has impacted our lives, the average temperature of the planet is higher than it was in the past because of the increase in different types of pollutions including air, water, land, or noise pollution.

The main aim of the plastic free week challenge was to raise awareness regarding the problems related to the usage of plastic and promote sustainable practices in the masses. NIC Peshawar has been an active member promoting sustainable practices in the community as we aim to pave the way for a healthier environment in the long run.

The event was attended by a number of dignitaries from civil society, academia, civil administration, and the corporate sector. A large number of young students and professionals also attended the event proving that our youth is very committed toward environmental sustainability and urges to work for it. Assistant Commissioner Peshawar City, Dr. Ehtisham Ul Haq, commended the efforts of NIC Peshawar towards environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.

“I am really impressed by the facilities, the work, and such initiatives that have been taken by team NIC, they are promoting the youth to create jobs rather than seeking them.”

Dr. Aleena Alisha, the representative of Swedish Institute Alumni, said that

“the main purpose of this event is to raise awareness on how much plastic waste is disposed of every day and to explore avenues of decreasing this waste”.

The participants of the events received various giveaways including reusable bags, bottles, cutlery items, mugs, biodegradable straws, and wooden toothbrushes. The plastic waste makes its way into the ocean through various channels. According to a report published by Surfers against Sewage, almost 7 billion people around the world produce over 320 million tons of plastic while around 8 million pieces of plastic find their way into the ocean daily. 100,000 marine mammals, turtles, and a million sea birds are killed by marine plastic pollution annually. Bilal Farooq Khan, Marketing and Communication Manager at NIC Peshawar, emphasized on the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in solving these environmental issues. Innovation presents an alternative course for the adoption of SDGs. NIC Peshawar renewed its resolve toward society and the environment once again by taking tangible steps toward pollution free Pakistan.