ISLAMABAD: An environmental awareness activist in Islamabad is working to promote a waste-free, plastic-free and greener Pakistan, using seed balls as part of his grassroots effort to encourage natural regeneration across the Margalla Hills.
The activist says tree plantation and environmental protection are central to his mission, and he has so far placed approximately 3,700 seed balls at different locations across the Margalla Hills, with a target of reaching 5,000.
Rather than simply scattering the seed balls, he says he carefully places them in locations where he believes new trees are needed. His efforts have taken him deep into forested areas, up mountain slopes and beyond established trails in search of suitable locations where the seeds may have a better chance of naturally germinating.
The seed balls contain seeds that can potentially develop into plants under favourable conditions. The initiative is intended to support natural vegetation and increase green cover in areas where additional trees could benefit the local ecosystem.
The activist hopes that a significant number of the seeds will germinate, grow into healthy plants and eventually become mature trees.
“If even some of these seeds grow into trees, it will be a great achievement and a source of immense happiness,” he said.
His initiative highlights the role that individuals and local communities can play in environmental conservation. While large-scale plantation programmes remain important, grassroots efforts can also contribute to raising awareness about the need to protect forests and expand green spaces.
The Margalla Hills, an important natural landscape surrounding Islamabad, face pressures from urban expansion, human activity, pollution and other environmental challenges. Efforts to support vegetation and protect the area’s natural ecosystems can contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
The activist has appealed to people to pray for the success of his initiative and for the seeds to grow into healthy trees.
His message is simple: small individual actions, when sustained with commitment, can contribute to a greener and more environmentally conscious Pakistan.
