Islamabad is grappling with a growing waste management crisis, with over 1,575 tons of municipal waste generated daily. However, a large portion of this waste—nearly 875 tons—ends up in open spaces or is burned, contributing to severe health and environmental issues.
Despite being illegal, open waste burning (OWB) continues unchecked due to lack of awareness and insufficient enforcement.
To address this alarming issue, the Institute of Urbanism (IoU), with the support of the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) and in partnership with Iqra University Islamabad Campus, launched an awareness campaign titled “Let’s Learn Why Not to Burn”. The event was aimed at highlighting the dangers of OWB and promoting sustainable waste management practices in the capital city.
Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, Senior Program Fellow at IoU, underscored the significant dangers posed by OWB, stating, “Open waste burning poses a direct threat to public health, air quality, and our shared climate. This initiative highlights the pressing need to empower communities—especially young people—to champion sustainable solutions and drive transformative change.”
The event also saw participation from key environmental figures. Dr. Zaigham Abbass, Director of the Environment Protection Agency, stressed the importance of a holistic approach to waste management. “We must adopt an integrated approach to waste management—one that fosters collaboration, encourages innovative solutions, and prioritizes education. Sustainable practices are the foundation for a cleaner, healthier future,” he said.
An interactive awareness booth was set up during the event to educate attendees about the harmful effects of OWB and the potential benefits of waste segregation and recycling. Through this, participants learned how these practices could help build a sustainable urban environment.
Tayyaba Pervaiz, Program Lead at IoU, emphasized the need for community involvement, stating, “The campaign aims to strengthen community engagement and address the root causes of harmful practices such as open waste burning. Education and awareness are key to ensuring inclusive and long-lasting change.”
Dr. Samia Qadeer, Professor of Environmental Sciences at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), called for collective action to combat environmental challenges. “We should reinforce the need for collective action to address environmental challenges. By integrating sustainable practices into everyday life, we can safeguard public health and create an equitable and livable future for all,” she explained.
Raza Javed, Founder of Waste Hero, highlighted the importance of empowering communities with knowledge and resources to manage waste sustainably. “Empowering communities with knowledge and tools for sustainable waste management is a powerful step toward reducing environmental degradation and creating economic opportunities through innovative waste solutions,” he said.
This campaign marks a vital step in Islamabad’s journey toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future, urging residents to adopt responsible waste management practices and help reduce the environmental and health risks posed by OWB.