Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) Mayor and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sheikh Anser Aziz stressed the need for promoting cycling culture in Islamabad as he inaugurated the project of segregated cycle lanes on all major avenues of the federal capital.
A ceremony, in this regard was held at D-Chowk, Constitution Avenue on Saturday. The ceremony was attended by Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) Chief Officer Muhammad Suleman Khan Warraich, MCI and CDA officials, members of civil society, representatives of Islamabad Cycling Association, elected representatives of Islamabad and a large number of citizens – particularly cycling lovers.
Addressing the participants of the event, Sheikh Anser Aziz said that enhancing the beauty of the federal capital and preservation of its natural environment was among the government’s priorities. He said that after signing the Green Charter, Islamabad has become 101st city of the world and 1st of Pakistan to have signed the charter to adopt United Nation urban environmental accord and following the action plan of the accord.
Islamabad will be made a more beautiful and environment friendly city so that a healthy Islamabad could be transferred to the next generations, he added.
He further said that under Islamabad Green Charter, cycling culture will be promoted in the city and in this connection during the first phase segregated cycling lanes on Constitution Avenue, School Road (F-6), Margalla Road (F-6/F-7) and Seventh Avenue would be marked for the cyclists which would be later replicated on all major roads of the city.
Sheikh Anser Aziz said that the cycling lane has been made an integral part of every road construction projects initiated and executed in the future which would not only help promote cycle culture in the city but also control and further reduce the environmental pollution. He said that for the first time in the history of Islamabad, constructive and recreational projects have been initiated for the residents of the city, particularly for the youth and children by utilising the existing infrastructure without extra expenditures.
Addressing the participants of the ceremony, Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Green Pakistan Syed Rizwan Mehboob said that it was an honour for the first ever elected Islamabad mayor to sign the Islamabad Green Charter and that they have accepted the challenge to make Islamabad a beautiful and environment friendly city.
Ambassador of Argentina to Pakistan participated in the cycling during the ceremony. In his address, the Argentinean envoy said that Islamabad was one of the beautiful cities of the world, adding that the green charter is a serious effort in making Islamabad more beautiful and green.
Renowned television anchor Kashif Abbasi appreciated the efforts for promotion of healthy activities and said that such activities are the best recreational activities for the citizens of the Federal Capital.
Islamabad mayor and CDA Chairman Sheikh Anser Aziz, Chief Officer, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad, Muhammad Suleman Khan Warraich, Argentinean Ambassador to Pakistan, a large number of people from all walks of life participated in the cycling activity which started from D-Chowk and concluded at Foreign Office roundabout Chowk.