Islamabad generates approximately 1,575 tons of municipal waste daily, with only 650–700 tons reaching the designated dumping site. Uncollected waste, particularly in non-sector areas, is either informally recycled, illegally dumped, or openly burned. Despite legal prohibitions, open waste burning persists due to limited enforcement and lack of public awareness of its environmental and health hazards. To address this challenge, the Institute of Urbanism (IoU), with the support of Royal Academy of Engineering, and in collaboration with National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT) successfully concluded a 5-day boot camp titled “Social Impact for Sustainable Alternatives to Open Waste Burning in Islamabad”. The initiative engaged students from universities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to advocate and implement sustainable waste solutions in their communities.
Boot camp brought together experts, practitioners, and young changemakers to explore sustainable solutions to OWB. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative exercises, participants examined the environmental and health consequences of OWB, innovative waste management practices, behavioral change strategies, and the role of entrepreneurship in creating scalable solutions.
Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, Senior Program Fellow, IoU, underscored the urgency of addressing OWB, stating, “The toxic emissions from open waste burning not only pollute the air but also endanger public health, disproportionately affecting low-income and marginalized communities. Immediate, collective action is essential to safeguard both people and the planet.”
The boot camp also provided a platform for young eco-entrepreneurs to share insights on transforming waste into economic opportunities. Aqsa Arshad, Noor ul Saba, and Afsheen Tajumal demonstrated how waste can be used as valuable resource. Dr Sofia Khalid, Chairperson of Environmental Sciences, AIOU, stated, “Waste should not be seen as a burden but as a resource. By embracing recycling and reuse, we can significantly reduce our ecological footprint.”
Habib Malik, Expert Behavior Change and Communication emphasized that, “Sustained behavioral change is key to eliminating OWB. Engaging communities through relatable and accessible communication can lead to long-term environmental stewardship.”
Social media plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and driving grassroots action. Abid Gul Program Manager, NICAT, highlighted that. “A well-drafted social media strategy can transform narratives and inspire collective action. Youth-led digital advocacy has the power to shift mindsets and mobilize communities toward sustainable solutions.”
Shayan Yar, Project Director at NICAT underscores that, “Entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for environmental change. By fostering sustainable enterprises, we can create innovative, low-cost, and scalable solutions to waste management.”
A participant Haider Jalal, reflected on the experience: “This boot camp has been transformative. I now understand the devastating impact of open waste burning and the potential of digital advocacy in driving awareness and action.
