Lahore, 23rd and 24th September, 2025
Shehersaaz proudly participated and was the conference partner at the South Asia Rainwater Network (SARNET) International Conference on Rainwater Harvesting 2025, held in Islamabad, bringing together global experts, policymakers, and practitioners to deliberate on sustainable water management and climate resilience.

The two-day conference, by SARNET in collaboration with Shehersaaz as their major Conference Partners, revolved around the theme “CONSERVING BLUE DIAMONDS Creating Climate Resilience Through Rainwater Conservation & Management”. The event provided a significant platform to exchange experiences and best practices from across South Asia, Central Africa, and the Middle East, focusing on both regional and global perspectives on rainwater conservation.

The inaugural session featured a keynote address by Mr. Han Heijnen, President IRHA, Switzerland, followed by country presentations from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Iran, Malawi, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Experts shared national case studies on traditional practices, innovative technologies, and policy frameworks that are reshaping rainwater harvesting approaches globally.

Representing Shehersaaz, Ms. Anahita Sajjad, Manager Communications and Networking, delivered an insightful presentation titled “Turning Rain into Resilience: Rain Harvesting to Climate Adaptation.” Her talk highlighted Shehersaaz’s ongoing initiatives to implement rainwater harvesting systems in urban and institutional settings, addressing urban flooding, water scarcity, and climate adaptation challenges. She emphasized the organization’s community-driven approach and the integration of nature-based solutions to promote water security across cities in Pakistan.

The conference also featured technical sessions led by UN agencies, I/NGOs, and academia, including discussions on groundwater recharge, rooftop rainwater systems, and youth-led innovations for water management. Delegates collectively called for greater regional collaboration, policy coherence, and capacity-building to mainstream rainwater harvesting into national development and climate strategies.

Concluding with remarks from the Chief Guest and a vote of thanks by Engr. Syed Zaheer Hussain Gardezi, the conference reaffirmed that rainwater harvesting is not merely a conservation practice—it is a pathway to resilience and sustainable urban futures.

Shehersaaz remains committed to advocating for climate-resilient cities and water-secure communities, turning every drop of rain into an opportunity for change.

Islamabad, September 2, 2025 – Shehersaaz proudly organized a landmark event, a Dialogue and Demonstration under its flagship initiative PROGRESSIVE – Program for Safe, Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Education Places for All at Ramada Hotel, Islamabad. The event brought together key stakeholders, education and safety experts, UN Agencies and development partners to reimagine schools as safe, climate-smart, child-friendly, and future-ready learning spaces.

Ms. Almas Shakoor, Executive Director Shehersaaz, welcomed the guests and emphasized that children’s safety, security, and health must always come first in schools. She noted that many past incidents continue to remind us of the urgent need for safer learning spaces, and highlighted that PROGRESSIVE is a step towards not only the well-being of children but the prosperity of society as a whole.

Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, Country Program Manager UN-Habitat, congratulated Shehersaaz on the impactful work being carried out under PROGRESSIVE. He highlighted that schools are hubs of change, and this change must be positive and productive. He stressed that unless schools are built to be safe, resilient, and inclusive, children will feel insecure and unsettled—directly affecting their ability to learn and grow.

The Dialogue & Demonstration featured an esteemed panel of speakers:
• Mr. Abdul Shakoor – Principal Architect behind PROGRESSIVE
• Mr. Bilal Aziz – Program Specialist Youth & Adult Literacy JICA
• Mr. Zafar Malik, Head of Education – UNESCO
• Dr. Afshan Huma – HOD Educational Planning, Policy studies and leadership AIOU
• Ms. Saima Bashir – Member Social Sector & Devolution, Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives
• Mr. Waqas – Emergency Officer Punjab Emergency Department Rescue 1122

Together, they stressed the urgent need for policy and framework implementation to ensure that children—society’s most vulnerable and sensitive members—learn in environments that protect, inspire, and empower them. Teachers, Students and Parents must work in close coordination when it comes to changing lives and personalities through education.

Founder’s Vision
Speaking at the panel, Mr. Abdul Shakoor, the man behind PROGRESSIVE, shared how the initiative was born:
“For me, every place where learning happens is a school — whether it’s a government primary school, a college, or a university. That is why, in PROGRESSIVE, we do not differentiate between institutions. Every educational space must be safe, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.”

He explained that PROGRESSIVE was inspired by Shehersaaz’s two decades of work with children and young people in sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and climate adaptation.

“Schools are not just buildings — they are centers of progressive change in society. Whatever children learn here, they take back to their homes and communities. If they experience safety, inclusivity, and resilience in schools, they will build the same in society,” he added.

Mr. Shakoor stressed that the initiative is rooted in participatory planning and design, working with students, parents, teachers, and authorities, while aligning with global frameworks like the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework, and the New Urban Agenda.

During the panel discussion, Mr. Zafar from UNESCO raised the critical issue of “learning poverty”, highlighting that while children are attending school, their learning outcomes remain poor — with many 4th graders unable to solve basic mathematics. He emphasized the need for attitudinal and behavioral changes alongside academic reforms. Mr. Bilal Aziz from JICA suggested that in continuation of the impactful work being done under PROGRESSIVE we must expand beyond schools into community-based and non-formal learning models, engaging students, parents, and communities. He shared that similar models in Bangladesh, Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines have proven successful. Mr. Waqas from Rescue 1122 highlighted their School Safety Program, which includes first aid training through the Pakistan Life Saver Program, Rescue Scout Corps, and CADRE, aimed at equipping children and communities with lifesaving skills during disasters. As opened by Dr. Afshan Huma from AIOU, she said that Healthy environment takes us towards a healthy adulthood and children must be dealt with care and their mental and emotional wellbeing must be the first priority for every child. Dr. Saima Bashir from the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives highlighted the government’s National Economic Transformation Plan (2024–29) — a five-year roadmap aimed at achieving sustainable economic prosperity and steering Pakistan towards a trillion-dollar economy by 2035. The plan focuses on five key pillars, the 5Es: Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy, and Equity, designed to drive export-led growth, digital transformation, and inclusive development. She also noted that the ministry is currently reviewing several school projects to ensure that safety and security remain top priorities in the education sector.
The central message was clear: schools must be more than just buildings. They must be happy, safe, resilient and inclusive spaces where children are motivated to attend with passion, eager to learn, interact, and grow.

Event Highlights
• Interactive Engagement: Dr. Afshan Huma energized the audience with a fun physical activity, explaining that a 40-minute active learning cycle mirrors a child’s natural attention span, making learning more engaging and effective.
• Student Demonstration: Students from Govt. New Islamia Model School, Carriage Factory, Rawalpindi, impressed the audience with a practical First-Aid demonstration, showcasing the importance of equipping children with life-saving skills.
• Celebrating Dedication: Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to Shehersaaz engineers for their tireless efforts in building safe spaces, and to vendors who provided sustainable materials, ensuring that climate-friendly practices remain at the heart of PROGRESSIVE.
• Meet Droppy 💧: The event also unveiled “Droppy the Water Droplet”, Shehersaaz’s cheerful new mascot who reminds us that water is life and must be conserved for our children’s future.



A Milestone for Pakistan’s Children
This event marks an important milestone in Shehersaaz’s journey of shaping inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable schools across Pakistan. With PROGRESSIVE, we reaffirm our commitment to making every classroom a place of hope, safety, resilience and empowerment—where children not only study, but build positive and confident personalities.

Citizens, Stakeholders Unite at Trail 5 on “World Environment Day 2025”: A Call to Break the Plastic Habit and Embrace Environmental Responsibility

In a deeply reflective and action-driven event organized by Shehersaaz, UN-Habitat, CDA, IWMB, and engaged citizens came together on Margallah Hills, Trail 5 to advocate for climate-conscious living and sustainable practices, highlighting Pakistan’s urgent need to eliminate plastic from daily lives following the international theme on World Environment Day: Beat Plastic Pollution.

The day began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a warm welcome from Executive Director of Shehersaaz, Ms. Almas Shakoor who emphasized on changing habits responsibly when it comes to dealing with environment and becoming more aware of taking care of it.

Delivering powerful remarks, Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, Country Program Manager at UN-Habitat, traced the transformation of Pakistani cities over the last two decades. He noted the alarming rise in urban populations and environmental degradation, especially under the weight of climate change. Stressing the pressing need for civic responsibility, Mr. Khan commended Shehersaaz for its steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and assured continued institutional support in championing urban sustainability.

Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Mr. Muhammad Ali Randhawa, urged citizens to adopt greener lifestyles by planting trees and abandoning single-use plastics. He emphasized a paradigm shift in public mindset, underlining that from July 1st, a tax penalty will be enforced on individuals found littering public spaces — a bold regulatory step toward cleaner cities.

Also addressing the gathering, Director General from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Mr. Asif Sahibzada, echoed the urgency of combating plastic pollution. He emphasized the detrimental impact of unchecked waste and reinforced the importance of collective behavioral change.

Director of Solid Waste Management, Mr. Waqas Ali Khan, highlighted practical on-ground initiatives, including the distribution of biodegradable bags across Islamabad. These bags aim to support responsible disposal of animal waste during Eid-ul-Azha, preventing contamination of streets, water bodies, and dumping grounds.

Participants were then briefed on a "Hike & Trash Pick" activity, embodying the spirit of environmental action. Equipped with gloves and trash bags, the attendees embarked on a guided hike through the picturesque Trail 5 — each step echoing a message of responsibility and care. Plastic waste was collected along the trail, transforming a symbolic gesture into tangible impact.

The event concluded at the CDA office with closing reflections and a powerful group photo — a moment etched in time to reaffirm a shared promise: to protect the planet.

The day culminated in heartfelt conversations, refreshments, and renewed pledges. With the slogan "Break the Plastic Habit — There is No Planet B", the participants walked away not just inspired, but committed to becoming agents of change in their communities.

Simultaneously, impactful community-driven activities unfolded in Rawalpindi and Nowshera, where Shehersaaz ensured responsible activities involving citizens, youth, and local organizations who participated in awareness walks, environmental seminars, and street cleaning campaigns. These synchronized efforts reflected a growing nationwide momentum toward climate awareness and civic responsibility, further amplifying the message that protecting the environment is a shared duty—across cities, communities, and generations.

Media Coverage

Chairman CDA emphasizes cleanliness and tree plantation on World Environment Day 2025

Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and Director General Civil Defense, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, participated as the chief guest in a special ceremony organized in Islamabad to mark the World Environment Day 2025.

https://dailyspokesman.net/live/un-habitat-pakistan-and-cda-organize-plogging-and-eco-action-drive/

https://globalnewspakistan.com/2025/06/10/cda-launches-initiative-rewarding-students-who-plant-and-care-trees-randhawa/

Media Gallery

The ECO-Market (May 25)

Celebrating Sustainability and Style

The 3rd Shehersaaz Eco-Market was successfully held on 23rd & 24th May 2025 at Rawalpindi Gymkhana Club, bringing together over 30 stalls dedicated to promoting eco-friendly and sustainable living.

This market brought another addition of green and sustainable inventiveness — it was a celebration of conscious living. The vibrant energy, green aesthetics, and shared passion for the environment brought families, friends, students, and professionals together under one green cause. The two-day event offered not just eco-conscious shopping, but also a space for learning, interaction, and community building.

For the first time, three green-forward industries participated, showcasing services from solar panel technologies to PVC water management systems, adding great depth to the market’s environmental narrative.

Shehersaaz proudly presented its initiatives through uniquely crafted bamboo stalls, sustainably designed in-house by our brilliant “design and architecture team”. These stalls stood as a symbol of our commitment to responsible innovation and sustainable design.

We thank all our partners, stall holders, and visitors for making this event a grand success once again. Together, we continue to grow a movement toward greener, cleaner cities.


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Date: April 13, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Venue: Islamabad Wildlife Management Board Office, Old Marghazar Zoo, Islamabad. 

 

Event Detail

Islamabad, April 13, 2025 — The lush green surroundings of Dino Park came alive with color, creativity, and conscious living as Shehersaaz hosted its second Eco-Market, bringing together a vibrant mix of sustainability, community engagement, and cultural celebration. Following the success of its first Eco-Market held in December 2024, this event marked yet another milestone in Shehersaaz’s journey towards promoting environment-friendly lifestyles.

With 27 uniquely curated stalls, the market showcased a range of eco-friendly products and ideas, from handmade jewelry, upcycled décor, sustainable packaging solutions, organic produce, to reusable cloth bags. The star of the show was undoubtedly the Ain-Amal stall, a hand-built bamboo structure that stood out not only for its craftsmanship but also for its message. It featured eco-conscious accessories and cloth bags designed and produced by Shehersaaz as part of their commitment to sustainable urban living.

The food court added another layer of charm, offering live cooking experiences that were a treat to all senses. From spicy desi dishes and savory Chinese delights to flavorful South Indian cuisine, there was something for every palate.

Adding an artistic touch, the bonsai workshop and art & craft corner allowed participants of all ages to engage in creative, hands-on experiences, emphasizing harmony with nature. Another new and refreshing addition was the soulful rabab music and live singing, echoing through the park and elevating the eco-vibe of the event.

A notable feature was Shehersaaz’s Emergency Response Stall, which showcased essential disaster preparedness equipment, raising awareness about urban resilience and climate adaptation.

Towards the end of the market each participant was awarded with certificate of participation that encouraged and appreciated them.

With happy faces, vibrant conversations, and an air filled with music and purpose, the Shehersaaz Eco-Market once again proved to be more than a marketplace—it was a celebration of sustainable living and community spirit.

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