Chitral Times Report
Upper Chitral: World Environment Day was celebrated in Booni, Upper Chitral under the banner of Chitral Heritage and Environment Protection Society. The event was brief and informative. It was conducted while observing the said SOPs of government. Around 35 people- majority- aged 7 to 25- gathered at an open space at CHEPS’s Chairman’s residence. All the guests entered the venue by washing their hands with soap . Masks were distributed among all the participants. They were asked to sit while keeping measurable distance from each other.
District Focal person for COVID-19, Dr. Sardar Nawaz , was the chief guest . Founding members Mr.Sajjad Ali and Ahsan ul haq were also present at the event.
Program started with the recitation of holy Quran. Later on an active member of CHEPS , Sabina Akbar , highlighted the need for active volunteerism to protect the ecology. Additionally, she highlighted the positive impact of Corona virus, particularly reduction in carbon emission.
Following her speech, children displayed play cards to present their gratitude to the paramedical staffs who are fighting at frontline against Corona virus.
Later on, while addressing the participants, founding member of CHEPS, Mr. Sajjad Ali talked about the importance of the environment in day to day life and asked the participants to follow environment friendly steps. He also told about the noticeable positive changes which have happened around the world as a result of lockdown. Moreover, he accentuated the restless efforts of doctors and paramedical staffs and paid tribute to all the professionals who are working on health sector.
In his detailed and comprehensive address to the participants, District Focal Person for COVID-19 , Dr. Sardar Nawaz highlighted the importance of environment and its sustenance. Furthermore, he talked about the relation of the pandemic and environment and urged the participants to play their active role in the protection of environment. He thanked CHEPS Chairman for arranging the event at this tough situation and for following SOPs.
Talking to the participant, Ahsan ul Haq, a senior member of CHEPS ,shared his experience with the organization and thanked Rehmat Ali for bringing the concept of environmental conservation at remote region of Chitral 15 years ago. He briefly shared the history of CHEPS and its activities around the country.
Founder of CHEPS, Rehmat Ali, addressed the participants at the end of the event. He thanked the guests and participants for attending the event. Moreover, he assured to continue his quest for environment conservation for the rest of his life. He told the audience that he had started awareness campaign regarding Corona virus in Pakistan when the virus had first appeared at China. He assured the audience that he will continue his struggle against corona virus. He announced that phase two of awareness campaign under this leadership will begin following today’s event.
