QUETTA: A community of hikers in Quetta is combining their passion for the mountains with a vital mission: environmental conservation and public service.
With limited recreational activities available, hiking is a popular hobby for the city’s youth. Quetta is surrounded by numerous mountain ranges like Koh Chiltan and Koh Zarghun, which offer hundreds of trails with stunning views of the city.
These hikers are now using their trips to plant trees high in the mountains to help fight climate change. One dedicated hiker from Mastung has been carrying water and saplings to arid peaks for decades. “It is difficult to bring plants with water to these high peaks, but this is our passion,” said hiker Asad Jan Shahwani.
They are also building small dams to conserve rainwater and digging water pits for thirsty local wildlife, including leopards, markhors, and birds.
The hikers point out that the government’s past announcement to plant olive trees in these areas has seen no action. They believe that with official support, such as providing olive saplings, their efforts could not only green the mountains but also boost the local economy and tourism.
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