Walking and Cycling – the two essential components in sustainable transport – were also the focus of the project ‘Better Transport, Let’s Breathe Fresh!’ to improve awareness of sustainable travel options among the youth and students. The walk and cycling rally was organized by Pakistan Sustainable Transport (PAKSTRAN) Project at and National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad.
The cycling rally was as fun as informative for the participants and made few wonder why they don’t avail the option of cycling or walking even in Islamabad city, considered most friendly for bicyclers. Students also learned about the issues faced by the transport sector of Pakistan and the need for sustainable transport. Hasan Zaman, Communications Officer for PAKSTRAN Project, believes that youth can play a vital role in promoting sustainable urban transport such as cycling Pakistan.
Participants in the event included representatives from Ministry of Water & Power, Government of Pakistan, International Union of Conservation and Nature (IUCN) and NUST. Over 350 participants walked in the NUST campus with various slogans for clean air and the promotion of sustainable transport. The walk was followed by a cycling activity.
The PAKSTRAN Project is being implemented by the Government of Pakistan, through the Government of Sindh (Transport Department), Government of Punjab (Urban Unit, Planning and Development Department) and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). The project supported by Global Environment Facility (GEF) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is aimed at addressing the transport and related problems in the country. The objective of the Project is to reduce the growth of energy consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions from Pakistan’s transport sector, while simultaneously improving urban environmental conditions and improving Pakistan’s competitiveness.
