ISLAMABAD: The East-West Center Alumni Association (EWCA) Islamabad Chapter, in collaboration with the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and Rotary Club Islamabad Metropolitan, organised a tree plantation drive at the university’s Faculty of Environmental Sciences, with more than 150 students taking part.
A total of 100 saplings were planted during the activity, aimed at promoting environmental awareness and encouraging collective action on climate change and environmental degradation.
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 and planted a tree.
Speaking at the event, Tayyaba Gul said East-West Center alumni continued to play a role in strengthening links between the institution and local communities in Pakistan.
She said collaborative environmental initiatives could help protect the environment while bringing together educational institutions, students and communities around shared challenges.
Former Federal Secretary for Climate Change and former EWCA Islamabad Chapter president Syed Abu Ahmed Akif highlighted the importance of tree plantation and collective action in addressing 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 supporting the initiative.
EWCA members Muhammad Ashraf, Tahir Amin and Imrana Saghar also participated alongside students and other attendees.
Asad Paracha, a child with special needs, also joined the plantation activity and planted a tree.
Of the 100 saplings planted during the drive, Rotary Club Islamabad Metropolitan donated 50 shade trees, while the remaining plants were provided by the EWCA Islamabad Chapter.
The organisers said the initiative reflected growing cooperation between educational institutions, civil society and community organisations on environmental protection.