Quaid-i-Azam University marked World Soil Day 2025 with an event organised by the Plantarians Association, Department of Plant Sciences, GYM and the Plant Ecology & Conservation Lab under the theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.” The campus gathering brought together faculty, students and researchers to focus on the role of soil in making urban areas more resilient and liveable.
Prof. Dr. Shujaul Mulk Khan, focal person for the event, emphasised how Healthy Soils help regulate urban temperatures, absorb and filter water, support biodiversity and improve air quality. He warned that rapid urbanisation and soil sealing threaten these essential functions and urged policymakers, scientists and citizens to rethink urban design to support both people and nature.
Prof. Dr. Irfan Zia Qureshi, Dean of Biological Sciences, highlighted the urban ecosystem services provided by soil, noting that healthy urban soils contribute to cooling, water management and carbon storage. Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Shah, Chairman of the Earth Sciences Department, drew attention to pollution and land sealing as key pressures that degrade soil function in cities.
Prof. Dr. Hassan Javed Chaudhry issued a clear call to action, urging sustainable urban planning, expansion of green spaces, restoration of degraded land and the adoption of green infrastructure to protect and restore Healthy Soils across Islamabad. President of the Plantarians Association, Mr Azhar Sultan, also addressed the audience and encouraged student engagement.
More than 200 students participated in the event, which concluded with an awareness walk across the QAU campus aimed at drawing public attention to urban soil issues and practical steps communities can take to promote Healthy Soils in city environments.
