By Mohammad Akram

As a resident of Gilgit who has now settled in England, I have always held a deep love for my hometown.

The natural beauty of Gilgit, with its majestic mountains and pristine lakes, is on par with Switzerland. However, the one thing that always marred this picture-perfect scenery was the polluted water and sewage that fell into our water reservoirs like the Gilgit River and our beautiful lakes.

I would often find myself thinking about how unfortunate it was. The contamination of nature was not just an eyesore but a shame that pinched and embarrassed me whenever I discussed Gilgit’s beauty with my friends here in England.

But today, I am thrilled to know the exciting news. I recently read in the Express Tribune about the initiation of Gilgit’s first sewerage and sanitary project. It was like a dream come true. The present government has not only started this much-needed project but also appointed a competent project director to oversee it.

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Let me say that I am a regular user of Facebook and keep track of local events as they unfold. I had the opportunity to watch Shafqat Ali’s interviews about the benefits of the project. His passion and commitment to the cause were evident, and it filled me with hope. This project is not just about improving the sanitation system; it’s about preserving the natural beauty of Gilgit, protecting our water sources, and ensuring a healthier environment for our people.

I am incredibly grateful to the present government for this gift to the region. This project is a significant step towards rectifying the damage done to our environment and preserving Gilgit’s natural beauty.

I am incredibly grateful to the present government for this gift to the region. This project is a significant step towards rectifying the damage done to our environment and preserving Gilgit’s natural beauty.

The initiation of this project has filled me with immense joy and pride. It’s a testament to the fact that we can make a difference when we prioritize the health of our environment. I look forward to seeing the positive changes this project will bring to Gilgit, and I am hopeful that it will restore the pristine beauty of our rivers and lakes.

Since moving to England two decades back, my visits to Gilgit have been infrequent. However, each visit brought with it a stark reminder of the issues we faced. My children, accustomed to the cleanliness and sanitation standards of England, would refuse to drink the water in Gilgit. The sight of garbage scattered here and there was a source of distress for them.

These experiences served as a painful reminder of the urgent need for improvement. But now I am filled with hope. I envision a future where my children can drink the water without hesitation, where the streets are clean, and the natural beauty of Gilgit is no longer marred by pollution.

I believe this project is not just a step towards progress; it’s a leap towards a brighter, cleaner future for Gilgit. And for that, I am immensely grateful.