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Armed with garbage bags, masks and plastic gloves, the Zimmedar Shehris met up to clean a small area of Boat Basin on Sunday in Karachi, hoping to take their mission forward in other areas of the city and the country.
When asked about the selection of the location, one of the vice-presidents of the group replied, “we have to start from somewhere and we are a group of friends from Lahore who don’t know much of Karachi, so we thought we should start with an area at the major food street of the city.”
It was an experience on its own to see young people joining hands together for the betterment of the city. Groups were excited and competing with each other over filling up the most garbage bags.
Formed just over a year ago, the group is a brain-child of five friends from Lahore who believe in standing up and taking a challenge. They said the blame game has to stop somewhere and "we as Pakistani citizens should make it happen and take responsibility."
The five stood up in their own small way by cleaning up their neighbourhood in Gulberg, Lahore as they felt that charity should always begin at home.
The first “take up trash” initiative was scheduled for April 25, 2010 at Icharaa in Lahore. In the following week the group plans to go to Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi and then end their drive with the last clean up event again in Lahore. - Eefa Khalid / Dawn.com
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
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Comments (96) Closed
May 04, 2010 08:10am
More Zimedaar Shehris are needed in Pakistan.
These people are doing great work and will certainly be rewarded one day!
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May 04, 2010 08:20am
Amazing! Glad to see this.. Keep it up.
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May 04, 2010 08:43am
well done you guys! My only concern however, is of your health, please try and obtain durable, thicker gloves, like gardening gloves to protect yourselves from catching anything harmful. And please buy some welly/wellington boots to protect your feet...
Keep it up :-)
kat
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May 04, 2010 08:25am
I am sure everyone is PROUD of them.... Good job :)
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May 04, 2010 08:44am
Breath of fresh air. This sense of owning the nation & doing something about it at any level is highly appreciated. If majority of us could contribute or had contributed, we would have achieved progress. But alas such small symbols are usually not catching. As far as work is concerned we generally like to the duty to be relegated to someone else. O gee hakoomat ka kaam hai !
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May 04, 2010 08:45am
please do visit sakhi hasan graveyard and clean the surrounding of the graves, where our near and dear ones rest, if at all you people are really serious in your efforts. This place that I have pointed out is a case of sheer neglect and needs to be given attention to and sorry to say but the NGO's and charitable institutions of our country are minting money in the name of charities for poor and needy.
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May 04, 2010 08:45am
Admired!! Sense of Responsibility only lacks!!
Glad to see such responsible behavior of zimedaars!
Good Luck
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May 04, 2010 08:46am
Keep up the good work...
A very good inspiration for people all the over the country...and to tell you the truth sounds so much fun..........
way to go...!!!
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May 04, 2010 09:03am
@mansoor
Please come forward to join-in the campaign. You can start with sakhi hasan graveyard. Action speaks more than words!
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May 04, 2010 09:05am
well, a question here: do you make that area people to carry on with this work? make a web site, make the area people to join and be in touch, take advice, share the load of expenses.
i love you all, God bless you.
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May 04, 2010 09:08am
Excellent Job (Y)
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May 04, 2010 09:16am
Well done pakistan people like this and as they say,with a drop, we have a river, but how to help and to join your group?
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May 04, 2010 09:30am
Thats the spirit we all should have to overcome all the crises.
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May 04, 2010 09:36am
Please take your own initiative instead of calling these guys to that location. its easy to pass on the buck and add the conditionality "if you are serious". so if they do not go there then they are not serious? Great thinking indeed.
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May 04, 2010 09:47am
Shikwa-e-zulmat-e-Shab say tau kahin bahatar tha
apnay hisay ke koi shama jalatay jatay -- Faraz
Well done! People like are beacon of hope for Pakistan.
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May 04, 2010 09:51am
Excellent guys!....... You are awesome.... We need people like you in our beloved homeland......... May you get success in your brilliant endeavours..... Ameen..
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May 04, 2010 09:52am
Well done guys!
I have seen many people who keep themselves away from these sort of works that give benefits to the masses even some so called pious people ignore these social works by saying that they don't like this world ,so that's why they live in the world of ignorance thinking that it will lead to heavens.
My request for these responsible citizens is
" Please visit larkana, i will also join you in this noble work"
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May 04, 2010 10:11am
Good work by these guys. If we would take such type of initiatives in each areas then we can make much better Pakistan.
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May 04, 2010 10:24am
Hey Mansoor what do you think they are sweepers that will act on your instructions. Just that they are holding brooms to clean the country it does not mean that they need to be told where they should go for clearing the trash. What we need to do is to step out of the cradle and to act more responsibly. I remember in the last decade or the previous one MQM had arranged the Hafta e Safai in which the entire Karachi city was cleaned. But then the city became dirty again. Unless we all make a continuous effort to keep everything neat and tidy things will not change. It is amazing that our own people that spit here and there in our country when they go to other countries like Singapore and UAE etc they started following the rule.
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May 04, 2010 10:39am
you guys deserve appreciation and encouragement, also, you are inspiration for the rest of us
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May 04, 2010 10:42am
Good Job. /you took out time to clear the trash which we left.
Having people like you on the show I am sure more and more will flock around you. I remember one of relative (who was poorest of the poor and not very fortunate in other matters) used to clean the area outside her gate and at times she would go much beyond. She was doing out of her simplicity but we as children used to make fun of her and used to call names. Now we realise how good she was and what greatness of character. I am sure that the present generation is much more sensible than us and they would join you in doing not only the noble job cleaning the country of trash but also of all the dirty fishes. Shall we call it the start of a clean up revolution.
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May 04, 2010 10:51am
Excellent work!!!!! we need groups of Zimmedaar shehri at each and every city :) thumbs up guys
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May 04, 2010 10:52am
Amazing!!!!! Truly inspiring!!
Any way we can join you guys????
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May 04, 2010 11:03am
I appreciate the good start you people have come up with, I wish the whole nation could be a part of your work.
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May 04, 2010 11:08am
ZS , your work is admirable and inspiring. You are a role model for local municipalities who are paid to do what you are doing, for free.
Maybe those incompetent and apathetic functionaries will learn a lesson from you.
May your volunteers increase by 1 million -- and counting!
I hope school children are exposed to your work so that we can raise a whole new generation of civic-minded citizens.
Self-help to accomplish the Greater Collective Good is a hands-on lesson in Democracy and no matter where we live, we can all learn from, and practice your example.
God Bless ZS
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May 04, 2010 11:34am
You guys are making all of us shine. Thank you seriously. I hope some day I can come back to Pakistan and join in the fun of cleaning my home land. InshAllah soon.
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May 04, 2010 11:46am
Yayyyyy!!
*thumbs up*
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May 04, 2010 11:47am
This is the approach which I am looking for. Yes Charity starts from home. 100% correct. Can I join the group?
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May 04, 2010 11:55am
I really hope your group becomes a huge success. Change starts from the bottom up, and you are setting a great example for the people of Pakistan. Salaams from Canada!
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May 04, 2010 11:56am
I will call them heoroes and catalyst for change. It is the time for media to come forward and help them in their struggle. By helping in arranging such campaigns and giving respect to such heroes, media can play its role.
It is the high time we change our role models from Muhammad bin Qasim, Shahabudding Ghauri, Zahiruddin Babur and Zia ul haq etc, who incite us to fight, to some one who are amonst US. Who belong to this land, think for this land, do something for this land, like these guys.
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May 04, 2010 12:05pm
wow! so many comments for my remarks, but yes here I must emphasize that this is a place which is being neglected and by the way S.A.M. did you not read my remarks, it is request from a concerned citizen cause no one pays any heed to such places.
Further S.A.M.if organisations such as MQM have organized Hafta-e-Safai then why not Sakhi Hasan too.
Finally A.H. I dont think one person, all by himself is enough for cleaning the entire graveyard, we need team work for all this and the reason for bringing this issue courtesy Dawn, is to bring to the knowledge of such organisations as Zimmedar Shehri and others.
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May 04, 2010 12:11pm
I would have joined the group if I would be in MY country. I was able to just read one comment which asked "Can i join the group?". THe rest are just appreciating and not doing there part. Appreciation is good but doing your part is really important. Hope to see more comments asking how to join this group. We need these sort of people to initiate these activities
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May 04, 2010 12:20pm
Good work. People needs to be educated about it and it should start from childhood.
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May 04, 2010 12:29pm
Very inspiring initiative indeed ... I've been thinking on the same lines for some time now but didn't find enough supporters or courage to take the first step. I welcome u guyz to the City of the Quaid n lead the wave of change here.
It wud b a lot better if thingz can b organized n a "Karachi Chapter" can b formed here. In this way v can organize activities n awareness campaigns amongst our citizen especially in schools n colleges.
If ppl r interested then letz meet up n bring about a change for the better.
Asim Khan.
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May 04, 2010 12:35pm
Till when you will collect the trash ?
I would have been more happier had you guys installed creative trash cans in those areas. It would not only have eased your efforts but benefited the cities in long term.
Make people learn civic sense rather than cleaning their trash.
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May 04, 2010 12:47pm
Many beautiful things have happened in Pakistan since 1947. But they happenned and got lost in the heap of filth. I very sincerely hope that I would hear these efforts of pioneers grow with time,and the call for zimmedari is still heard in 2011, 12, 13 and after. Best of luck!
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May 04, 2010 12:50pm
Excellent work... will try and find you when I am in Pakistan next. Even if it is for a short trip, would join in the good work and bring my children along as well so that they can also be inspired by your initiatives.
Thanks...
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May 04, 2010 01:01pm
Why not? As a first step count all the graves and then clean 10 graves per day. Alone, all by yourself, you will clean the entire graveyard and will get the blessings from the spirits as well. All that is needed is a good quality broom along with a number of waste bags and there you go! Then only a shining example of a a zimmedar shehri will be set up.
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May 04, 2010 03:23pm
Oh Gee Khoos Ho gya hai Paa Gee. I would love to join the group in my next visit to PK as well. I 100 % agree blame game should end and let start our future with our hand. I request the Zimmedar Shehris if possible make a Face book account. Guys it is important to let the youth of our country inform the alternative way of development . Cheers
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May 05, 2010 06:46am
at least someone to echo my sentiment here. thanks gher zimmedar, but i guess ure more zimmedar than the others here :)
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May 04, 2010 04:07pm
Is there a way to help these people financially so they can grow their program ?
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May 04, 2010 04:09pm
Well done and thumbs for you all. I wish if I can be the part of the effort. But I am not in Pakistan now.
My appreciation for you all.
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May 04, 2010 04:33pm
Can you tell me if you are going to have another drive in karachi? I would love to join .
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May 04, 2010 05:05pm
@mansoor.
Thats not their responsibility to clean your city or place.........they are just setting an example for all other youngsters to do the same job and get your place cleaned by yourself or group of friends..........so now its your turn to ask your friends for help and set example for all other..........and grow up by the way.
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May 04, 2010 05:32pm
wonderful work guys.....
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May 04, 2010 05:42pm
I salute zimmedaar sehris...great work I believe if you think you can you can
I really wish more and more people would lend their hands to work together
I wish I could at least start in my own neighbourhood
God Bless these brethren
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May 05, 2010 06:18am
Nice thinking, indeed.
I am all up for the concept of 'Karachi Chapter'.
Lets start together to initiate a difference in our Society.
How can we meet up (virtually or physically) to discuss the possibilities of making it happen.
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May 04, 2010 06:01pm
Excellent Five and Excellent work. Pakistan as whole need more responsible citizens, government, military and law enforcing agencies. Together we can make Pakistan a beautiful country by eliminating extremism, ignorance and poverty.
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May 04, 2010 06:08pm
A beacon of hope. It is avery good step to keep the country clean. This young generation can do wonders. Own Karachi, Own Lahore and what not. They should also weed out terrorists and corrupt politicians and corruption prevailing in our society.
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May 04, 2010 06:32pm
Excellent work, shows the tenacity and the determination of the youth of this country who desire change. It is interesting to note that brazen blame games were considered as unacceptable by the youth who took up this initiative. Shows that they have the presence of mind to acknowledge flaws in the country, be it simply cleaning up trash. Wonderful to know. Its a lesson that some of the active members of the population who are employed and contributing to the economy should follow too.
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May 04, 2010 06:34pm
Great Work. I believe this is just an opening. There are also other issues for which we need to assume responsibility. I would love to join you people once I get back to Pak.
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May 04, 2010 07:14pm
Well, I agree with Mansoor. Not only they need to clean up sakhi hassan graveyard but also miaani saahib. I'll be glad to reimburse their travel expenses :)
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May 04, 2010 07:36pm
Thanks for the good news.
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May 04, 2010 09:47pm
But they do take teach people civic sense, in fact a group is involved in handing out informative leaflets to create awareness about the benefits and how to go about achieving a cleaner environment.
Also, as far as setting up trash cans is concerned, the whole point is that such facilities are already available it's just that people are lazy and don't use them. Moreover, the idea behind Zimmidar Shehri is to set an example for others, and unless you practice what you preach nothing can be achieved.
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May 04, 2010 09:50pm
Education and it's quality is lacking in land we all love. With better and more education skills come which turn into production and people earn better renumeration. At present our national production is low and shortfall is madeup by aid & loans fron working nations as our income tax base is one of lowest in the world hardly 1.5%. When citizens will earn more money, more tax will be collected. With infant democracy running for couple of decades uninterruped hopefully more and more money is spent in education.
When government get more taxes, it will return money through projects implementation. Basics like kachra collection better sewage system will off course be provided. Earned money makes the nation go.
Individual or small acts created like this now and in the past may create a short lived enthusaism like MQM hafta safai etc hardly have staying power. It's not just droplets to make darya are required but whole manba (source) of such rivers are required and that will come with education as it's basic ingredients.
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May 04, 2010 10:42pm
I am soo soo happy to ready something like this. I wish if I can join your guys in this noble work.
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May 04, 2010 11:49pm
If cleanliness results in civic responsibilities then it is wonderful. But a far more stronger response is needed.
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May 05, 2010 01:47am
Well, appreciation is a key to get more from someone and also with sincere effort. I'm inviting the whole youth of Pakistan to save a 25 % of your pocket money and get it deposited in the mutual account of ZS. This will not only be a practical appreciation but also a great help to achieving their goal. Your little bit of time is also required to at least clean your street or its portion surrounding your own sweet home. This will add to their effort as wherever they'll go, the won't find anywhere to clean as every place will already have been cleaned by the inhabitants. I've started it in my area in Rwp. You're also requested to come forward.
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May 05, 2010 01:55am
Hats of to these Zimedaar Sheris. I just happened to view images taken near the boat basin karachi. I have something to share with all: When i used to be a school student decades ago,the entire city(Chittagong) school students would assemble at the Niaz Stadium once a year and each school was assigned an area to clean.We would carry cleaning gaers from our homes. Later in the evening would assemble at our own schools and had camp fire and the like. It was fun and a little contribution to the earth we lived in. We took pride in what we did. I still remember, son of Mr AK Khan-once Industries Minister in Ayub Khan's cabinet would lead our school to the stadium where all the activites would start. I may add here, at the school, we were assigned stations to do cleanship a number of times every week although only for few minutes. I wish our schools start the good work again.
Admirable work Zimmedaar Sehris-you are our heroes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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May 05, 2010 02:01am
Everyone of us who is a zimedaar Shehri must salute their initiative towards cleanliness. A person however the educated and rich, but without the sense of a clean environment is failed to be proved a good individual. This is what i must say a good spirit of "ibadat" and "khidmat".
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May 05, 2010 03:49am
The guys are doing good work. But actually, we have to provide orientation to ordinary people, to take care of their garbage. As this will improve the environment and eco-system of the cities and country. The effort is not sustainable in the long run.
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May 05, 2010 04:10am
Wow ... amazing to know these kids have the courage to set an example for rest of that corrupt, dishonest & filthy nation to make them a better & civilzed humans, great job guy. I will certainly join you on my next backpacking trip to Pakistan.
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May 05, 2010 04:22am
Really nice job, it's all about initiative taking... how can we contact this group to become a part of it?
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May 05, 2010 05:47am
Great !
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May 05, 2010 06:03am
It could have been better but still all the credit goes to the organizers for taking the initiative. was glad to be part of it. Looking forward to the next stop. Sakhi hassan or whatever it may be :P
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May 05, 2010 06:21am
Good initiative. It shows that we are alive as a nation...........
How can we join hands with you guys?
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May 05, 2010 06:40am
We are in the process of setting up a karachi chapter. Please find us on facebook as well. you can also register with us on our website, www.zimmedarshehri.com
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May 05, 2010 06:46am
Hello everyone, thanks for all your great comments and support.
If you want to find out more about us at zimmedar shehri, please visit www.zimmedarshehri.com.
We're functional in 6 cities in Pakistan now, and are currently trying to get our Karachi chapter functional. These images were from our first event last sunday, and we plan to keep at it every Sunday henceforth :)
You can join us on facebook for regular updates on events, and other projects, as well as register with us on our website.
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May 05, 2010 06:49am
I am a big fan of your blog and I read it regularly. Keep up the excellent work!
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May 05, 2010 06:58am
Great Work! Hats off to these guys. We should have such type of proactive approach in every aspect of life. If we will think about taking action rather than excuses, motivation and passion rather than despair and frustration, taking responsibility rather than blaming others, everything will be changed. If we will change ourselves we will set a path to others and as a result community/whole nation will be changed.
Keep it up guys and please dont lose your enthusiasm ever.
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May 05, 2010 07:33am
Thank you to all the people of zimmedar shehris !!
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May 05, 2010 07:55am
Since we are determined to first clean all the graveyards what fault has Mewa Shah Graveyard committed that its name is not taken.
It seems we are more close to the deadones than those surviving.
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May 05, 2010 09:21am
SAM at least your not ......... for sure
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May 05, 2010 09:58am
Great effort... Well done... Your efforts will surely influence other citizens to keep their surroundings clean ...
It is said that "Reward of good work is more work"... Although i am in no position to suggest you some task, but it is my wish that someone should also take the task of influencing citizens to reduce "Noise pollution"....
On roads, our car drivers just can't live without honking... When these people return back to their bungalows (be it even mid-night), they constantly honk until a gatekeeper opens the gate for them... Similarly, during the time of electricity load-shedding, my parents are not so much worried about load-shedding; they are more worried about their neighbour's gas generator which is a constant source of noise...
Anyhow, Bravo once again for all your great efforts in keeping our country clean... Thankyou to all the Zimmedari team...
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May 05, 2010 01:43pm
All I am trying to say is we should stop being bekar and fuzul shehri and should become such a shehri that tries to improve the living conditions of the shehr. be it near a generous locality or a stingy neighbourhood.
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May 05, 2010 07:49pm
Well done guys , right spirit at the right moment we Pakistanis have to stand up as a nation and work for our country. Our life should have flexibility to spend some time for the welfare of our beloved country, keeping its streets clean would give us a healthy and fresh mind which is the requirement of today...please keep it up Pakistani nation is with you!!!
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May 06, 2010 06:03am
Hats off to you guys!!
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May 06, 2010 11:45am
Is it done daily?
Then you guys should get your taxes reimbursed.
If it is only an annual activity - then great tokenism !!!
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May 06, 2010 12:18pm
I greatly appreciate these citizens selfless work. We need to bring to humblness in our society in general and also take ownership of our street, community and the country. Also we need to make our rulers accountable and question their lavish lifestyle when the rest of the country is in so much despair.
Iftikhar (USA).
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May 07, 2010 05:38am
Fantastic Work Guys!
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May 07, 2010 02:29pm
It has to start somewhere, clean up your homes, your neighbourhood, your community, your city and our Nation will be systematically cleaned up.
I applaud those that have started this initiative and hope more will realize that it's our duty to take action if we want change.
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May 07, 2010 02:47pm
Excellent vision! This is exactly what Pakistan needs...people who would rather be part of the solution instead of part of the problem...I pray your enthusiasm spreads like wildfire...God Bless
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May 07, 2010 03:23pm
The first group of five sensible people from Pakistan I've come across. Ever.
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May 07, 2010 03:23pm
For the whole world actually.
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May 07, 2010 05:46pm
We need to teach Pakistanis about civic duties in the West too! Ever notice that neighbourhoods where Asians live in are the messiest in North America. Go to Toronto, Vancouver or Houston. Wherever you see Asian and African immigrants, the streets are always dirty. They have no civic sense after living in these coutries for years. Even when they don't work but live on social assitance/khayrat, they can't keep their government provided housing clean! They throw garbage out of the cars when the police aren't looking in Canada! They won't pick up trash on their lawn or take out weeds since they have no concept of it or are just too lazy! How will they ever change their behaviour in their own countries in one generation?
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May 08, 2010 07:03am
I agree with Mansoor a single person can't do this. One possibility is to form a group of lover of those who are resting in that graveyard, and ask them to gather on a specific day, first pray, then clean!
A single person can initiate a group, according to the blog RC started by a few friends and you see now how many are there. so you can form a RC group in your area or your own group, the key is to do something instead just blaming or asking others to do something.
Lets hope some day Sakhi Hasan will also have a group of RCs.
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May 08, 2010 06:33am
Yes you are right, we did a similar cleaning mission once, and later all the effort gone in drain as next day people start spiting and throwing the garbage there again. On one hand we the citizens need to be responsible, on other hand government should and NGOs should plan something at higher level, as individual cannot take out the trash to dumping grounds out of the city.
About other countries, you can find waste bins everywhere, here we can't find even in the parks. System and citizens both needs improvement. and Responsible citizens started something that eventually will bring a big change if we keep going.
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May 08, 2010 06:41am
Good idea Tanzeel, besides I think we need to motivate people to form their groups (i.e. the shop owner of the area) so they can keep their area clean afterword, and make sure trash cans are utilized and push the government to collect the trash from those trash cans regularly. If the citizens will be responsible government will feel the responsibility too.
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May 08, 2010 09:55am
JizakALLAH. good job
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May 08, 2010 06:20am
Congratulation to all RCs !!!
It is great work, we all should join and strengthen this movement of self help.
Yes "blame game" should stop now and we should take the responsibility.
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May 08, 2010 03:39pm
Well done folks, you are a shining example of self-help and self-respect. Now if we can only outnumber the fool surrounding you Pakistan will become the great nation it should be.
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May 09, 2010 02:17pm
You are trying to say that other Asian nations (including Indians) are all clean and neat & tidy. If this is so then why there is so much dirt in India? why do not you take up steps to clean your country first and then talk of teaching lessons to others.
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May 10, 2010 03:08am
There is no doubt that "a journey of a thousand mile begin with a single step" brother Zimmedar Shehris indeed is no doubt that you have got one of the best of the best idea that I appreciate very much keep trying Inshaallha that day is not far away when you will see your whole country as clean as you have a dream of it. Allha hafiz
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May 11, 2010 09:43am
How I can contact you?
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May 14, 2010 12:04pm
Its a positive initiative but I feel it can be improved. I notice plastic bags being used which are not good for the environment. If we can install proper dustbins for organic, plastic and tin waste or with signs in Urdu and English supported by easy to follow diagrams that could tell even the illiterate person how to use them... we will actually teach everyone. It going to benefit in long term.
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Jun 03, 2010 02:44am
Great tips to follow. Being professional and showing them there
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