World Soil Day, 2025 was celebrated by Plantarians Association, Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad Pakistan, GYM and Plant Ecology & Conservation Lab., under the theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,”

World Soil Day, 2025 was celebrated today by Plantarians Association, Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad Pakistan, GYM and Plant Ecology & Conservation Lab., under the theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,”.
Focal person of the event, Prof. Dr. Shujaul Mulk Khan highlighted the importance of soil with special focus on the critical role soils play in urban environments for temperature regulation, water absorption, biodiversity, and air quality, while addressing challenges like soil sealing and rapid urbanization to build more resilient, green cities. This theme urges policymakers, scientists, and citizens to reimagine urban spaces to support both people and nature.
Prof. Dr. Irfan Zia Qureshi, Dean Biological Sciences addressed the audience and talked about Urban Ecosystem Services provide by soil. Highlighting how healthy soils under cities provide crucial functions like cooling, water management, and carbon storage.
Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Shah Chairman Earth Sciences Department highlighted the threats from Urbanization with emphasis on addressing issues such as soil sealing (covering soil with buildings/pavement) and pollution, which degrade these vital functions.
Prof. Dr. Hassan Javed Chaudhry asked for
Call to Action by encouraging sustainable urban planning, expanding green spaces, restoring degraded land, and promoting green infrastructure for healthier urban living.
President Plantarian Association Mr Azhar Sultan also addressed the audience. More than 200 students participated in the event followed by an awareness walk in the QAU campus.

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