Afsheen Farooq (Yellow Group)

Asslam-o-Alaikum everyone! my name is Afsheen Farooq. I joined this conservation meet as a participant from Lahore. My formation was in yellow group out of four groups, green, yellow, blue and orange. Here I have been given an opportunity to describe the experience of participation on behalf of “Chakors” the symbol of Yellow group. We found this Meet interesting, challenging and a great opportunity to learning. The experience of camping and trekking was really exciting as it made us to learn, how to live in outdoor and wilderness, how to work in groups with coordination and patience for each other. Although the schedule was tough and the routine was tiring but we really enjoyed the thrill of living in tents, cleaning utensils and washing faces with ice-cold water. During this Meet we learnt a lot about our environment, mountain eco-system and threats to the Mother Nature with the help of well-prepared experts and AFP staff. We realized how important is to keep our mountains clean and green which are the sources of life giving water. The Cultural Mix of more than 120 participants from every corner of Pakistan was a unique characteristic of this Conservation Meet, which provided us an opportunity to know about different cultures and languages of Pakistan. We were individuals prior to participate in this Meet but after the participation we are a force of Eco-Guards. The lasting impression we will carry with us is actions are louder than words. 

Samia Kazmi (Orang Group)

Ladies and gentlemen!

Greetings to all of you. Here I am going to present my self-expressions about this trip organized by AFP. My arrival at Islamabad made me more enthusiastic than before. In the first week of June I came to know about this whole trip to Kaghan Valley from a friend of mine. When I read the information form of this trip I came to know exactly what was the purpose of this whole trip. We were to create awareness among the people to save our mountains from devastation. As we all know that mountains are of great importance to us and they are being spoiled by man, I made up my mind to do something to save our environment and to make people see the reality. I submitted the form and that was how I ended up in Islamabad to accomplish my target as well as to have some fun during my vacations.

From Islamabad we went to Dhodial where we stayed in the SOS village for two days. We had fun their but the adventure did not start until Shogran. In Shogran we camped for 3 days where we had the time of our lives. In the beginning, we complained a lot but gradually we settled down in the wilderness of that area. All the staff was very well organized and the staff did their best to make us enjoy our camping trip. We were provided with sumptuous food, which we can never forget. As well as having some fun we also learned a lot form this trip. Our field scientists; Sir Ahsan and Dr. Kishwar made us learn a lot about ground species. We hiked to Siri Paya, which was very tiring for me anyhow after a lot of struggle we made it to Siri, Paya. The view was awe-inspiring. Next day we went to Malakandi where we learned a lot about flora and fauna.

On the 6^th of July we arrived at Naran where we stayed in the PTDC Motel. Naran we had a cultural evening in which children from all over Pakistan participated and introduced their cultures in a whole new way. The second part of the trip started where we had to hike all the way to Soajh for tree plantation. The purpose of our plantation was to reduce the rate of deforestation. Next day we went to lake Saifulmaluk, where we were shocked to see that the area was so much commercialized that it was disturbing the natural beauty of lake. The trip to Naran ended up with a spectacular bonfire, as we departed for Islamabad I couldn’t stop thinking about how much fun I had during this trip. Other than that I did something for our environment that I can be proud of. This trip also enabled me to find the abilities within me. Now, standing here in front of you all, I wish that time would turn back and the trip would start from all over again.

Thank you.