ISLAMABAD, NOV 11 (DNA) – Mayor of Islamabad and Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Sheikh Anser Aziz has inaugurated the project of dedicated cycle lanes on all major avenues in the Federal Capital for promotion of cycling culture.

A colourful ceremony, in this regard was held here at D-Chowk, Constitution Avenue on Saturday.

Addressing the participants of the event, Mayor of Islamabad and Chairman CDA, Sheikh Anser Aziz said that enhancing the beauty of the Federal Capital and preservation of its natural environment is among our priorities.

He said that after signing the Green Charter, Islamabad has become 101^st city of the world and 1^st of Pakistan, which has signed the Charter to adopt United Nation Urban Environmental Accord and following the action plan of the accord, Islamabad would be made more beautiful and environment friendly city so that a healthy Islamabad could be transferred to the next generations, Sheikh Anser Aziz added.

He further said that under Islamabad Green Charter, cycling culture will be promoted in the city and in this connection during the first phase segregated cycling lanes on Constitution Avenue, School Road (F-6), Margalla Road (F-6/F-7) and Seventh Avenue would be marked for the cyclists which would be later replicated on all major roads of the city.

Sheikh Anser Aziz said that cycling lane has been made an integral part of every road construction projects initiated and executed in the future which would not help promote cycle culture in the city but would also control and further reduce the environmental pollution.

He said that for the first time in the history of Islamabad, constructive and recreational projects have been initiated for the residents of the city, particularly for the youth and children by utilizing the existing infrastructure without extra expenditures.

Mayor of Islamabad and Chairman CDA, Sheikh Anser Aziz said that cycling is a recreational, healthy and environment friendly activity which can be promoted by utilizing existing road infrastructure without any extra expenditures.

He said that suggestions and cooperation of people from different walks of life particularly the vibrant media will play guiding role in making Islamabad more beautiful and model city.

Addressing the participants of the ceremony, Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Green Pakistan, Syed Rizwan Mehboob said that it is an honour for the first ever elected Mayor of Islamabad for signing the Islamabad Green Charter and accepted the challenge to make Islamabad a beautiful and environment friendly city.

Ambassador of Argentina to Pakistan participated in the cycling during the ceremony. In his address, Argentinean Ambassador said that Islamabad is one of the beautiful and green city of the world, adding that by signing the Green Charter is a serious effort in making Islamabad more beautiful, green and environment friendly city.

On this occasion, representatives of Islamabad Cycling Association and Green Force addressed the ceremony. Renowned television anchor, Kashif Abbasi appreciated the efforts for promotion of healthy activities and said that such activities are the best recreational activities for the citizens of the Federal Capital.

Mayor of Islamabad and Chairman CDA, Sheikh Anser Aziz , Chief Officer, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad, Muhammad Suleman Khan Warraich, Argentinean Ambassador to Pakistan, a large number of people from all walks of life participated in the cycling activity which started from D-Chowk and concluded at Foreign Office Round About Chowk..      DNA