KARACHI: President Dr Arif Alvi on Saturday urged people as well as relevant government departments to collectively partake in the government’s ‘Clean and Green Pakistan Drive’ to bring success to the initiative. Addressing a ceremony held on the action day of the five-year ‘Clean and Green Pakistan Drive’, the president said that Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had also preached to his followers to keep their surroundings clean. He said that it was everyone’s responsibility to keep the houses and atmosphere clean. He said that, besides spiritual purity, Islam also taught its followers to maintain physical cleanliness. He said that the Holy Prophet used to wash his hands five times a day while performing ablution as well as before and after eating a meal despite the water scarcity in Arab region. “This example manifests the importance of cleanliness,” he added. The president said it was people’s responsibility to dispose garbage properly in trash bins instead of throwing it on streets. “This step is followed by the government department officials performing their designated duties of collecting garbage and disposing it off properly. He said if the Clean and Green Pakistan drive met success, it would help tackle the water shortage issue in the country. President Arif Alvi was accompanied by Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar, public representatives and people from different walks of life. On the occasion, the president picked trash from the venue and put it in the bag for proper disposal. Published in Daily Times, October 14th 2018.