Karachi’s beaches are seeing a surge in volunteer cleanup efforts, driven largely by Gen Z and facilitated by the Hammad Foundation. What began as a struggle to attract participants has blossomed into events drawing thousands of volunteers, highlighting a growing commitment to environmental action among young people in Pakistan.
A Slow Start Gains Momentum
The Hammad Foundation, established in 2010, initiated its beach cleanup drives in 2020 as part of a broader youth empowerment initiative. Founder Hammad Tanveer recalls that the first drive attracted only four volunteers, despite promotional efforts. For the following years, participation remained modest, averaging between 30 and 40 volunteers at locations including Manora, Hawkesbay, and Kund Malir.
A turning point came with the foundation’s 13th cleanup drive in 2025, which saw around 250 volunteers participate. This increase prompted the launch of a youth internship program, onboarding over 80 college and university students to help organize and promote the events.
Thousands Mobilize for Coastal Cleanup
The momentum culminated in the 15th cleanup drive, held near Chunky Monkey on Seaview beach. Over 3,000 volunteers participated, cleaning nearly two kilometers of coastline on a public holiday. The scale of the event was confirmed by two members of the Dawn newspaper team who also volunteered. Tanveer emphasized that the foundation intentionally highlighted the Gen Z volunteers, calling them “our actual celebrities.”
Volunteers began arriving around 9:30 am, and the cleanup continued until 2:00 pm, with the Hammad Foundation team working until 8:00 or 9:00 pm to deliver the collected trash to the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) for disposal. CBC workers were present on site to receive the collected waste.
The foundation secured 7,000 to 8,000 trash bags through sponsors, but only 3,000 to 4,000 were ultimately filled. Tanveer expressed some disappointment that more bags weren’t used, noting that many volunteers were first-time participants and appeared more focused on the event’s social atmosphere than the cleanup itself.
Looking Ahead
The Hammad Foundation’s work extends beyond beach cleanups, encompassing women’s empowerment, employment initiatives, and support for small businesses. The foundation considers security when selecting cleanup locations, such as Nishan-e-Pakistan. It is possible that the foundation will continue to expand its internship program to further mobilize youth volunteers. The success of these drives could inspire similar initiatives in other coastal areas of Pakistan. It is also likely that the foundation will seek ways to increase the amount of trash collected at each event, perhaps through more focused educational efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Hammad Foundation begin its beach cleanup drives?
The Hammad Foundation began its beach cleanup drives in 2020 as part of its youth empowerment initiative.
How many volunteers participated in the most recent cleanup drive?
Over 3,000 volunteers participated in the 15th beach cleanup drive, held near Chunky Monkey on Seaview beach.
What other initiatives does the Hammad Foundation undertake?
Beyond environmental work, the Hammad Foundation also focuses on women’s empowerment, employment initiatives and support for small businesses.
What role do you think community-led initiatives can play in addressing environmental challenges in your own area?
