Zaheer Ahmad Awan, chairman of the Citizen Action Committee, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating cleanliness in inner city areas during visits to Dhok Hassu and Pirodhai on World Cleanup Day. He warned that the current state of streets, drains and public spaces threatens public health and urged immediate corrective action.
Awan appealed to the responsible agencies, naming RWMC, WASA, the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner, to perform their duties honestly and ensure daily cleaning schedules are implemented. He said that consistent effort is required to address the backlog of waste that has choked drains, nullahs and sewer lines across the city.
Highlighting a Punjab Ombudsman directive, he demanded that historical Liaquat Bagh be cleared of rubbish and restored as a “Ladies and Children Park” so residents can enjoy a clean and pleasant environment. He noted that the Nala Lai and other waterways are clogged with millions of tons of garbage, posing an urgent challenge for Rawalpindi sanitation and municipal oversight.
Entrances to Rawalpindi from the federal capital, especially the Faizabad to IJP Road corridor and areas up to Dhok Hassu, were described as being in a deplorable state due to large heaps of refuse. Awan attributed this situation to negligence and poor performance by the agencies tasked with city cleanliness.
Citizens accompanying the Citizen Action Committee chairman urged authorities to implement permanent cleaning measures along all inner-city entry routes, Shakrial, Dhok Hassu, drains, sewer lines and the full depth of Nala Lai. They also called for the formation of a citizen-led monitoring committee to oversee the cleanup work and help protect public health as part of a sustained Rawalpindi sanitation effort.
