The Waste and Garbage Problem in Pakistan

By Durhum

I am writing this letter to draw your kind attention and that of the concerned authorities toward one of the most serious and ignored problems in our country today: the waste and garbage problem in Pakistan.

We see garbage on the roads near our homes, schools, and other areas. This problem is getting worse day by day, especially in the big cities of Pakistan like Lahore, Islamabad, etc. When we go out, we see that the dustbins are full, and still no one comes to empty them. Plastic is flying in the air. Because of the garbage, the roads smell very bad and are dirty. If it rains, the drains get blocked because of the plastic. This is not just making the roads dirty; it is also affecting people and making them ill.

In some areas, garbage trucks do not come regularly, and there is also a shortage of dustbins. People throw everything on the roads, such as food and plastic, and many people do not care that throwing waste makes our roads dirty.

Throwing garbage causes numerous problems. Because of this waste, mosquitoes, rats, and other pests come out, spreading diseases like malaria and dengue. Children are mostly getting sick because of this garbage. Also, water is becoming polluted because garbage is thrown near rivers or seas, making the water dirty. This waste can also cause drains to become blocked.

In Karachi, especially in Lyari, garbage is thrown everywhere, and the area is full of waste. This problem can be solved if there is regular garbage collection, more dustbins, and clean rivers and roads.

The government cannot solve this problem alone; we must also avoid throwing plastic, paper, and other waste on the streets. Schools should teach students not to throw garbage on the roads.

Many countries have solved this problem because citizens do not litter. In Dubai and Turkey, the roads are clean and look beautiful because they regularly sweep the roads and dispose of waste properly.

Throwing garbage and waste is not a small problem; it is affecting our bodies, health, and environment. Ultimately, this problem can be solved if we change our habits. Pakistan will become like other beautiful countries if we all work together. If we keep ignoring it, our surroundings will become even dirtier.

If a country has a clean environment, it means it has a clean nation. There is a saying that “Cleanliness is half of faith.” Islam also teaches us to keep our country, cities, and roads clean. There is another saying that “Small litter makes a big problem.” This means that waste and garbage may seem like a small issue, but they can affect a person’s entire life.