Gen Z Takes Charge: Karachi Beaches Get a Youth-Powered Cleanup
Gen Z is stepping up to clean Karachi beaches, demonstrating a powerful commitment to environmental stewardship. The Hammad Foundation is at the forefront, channeling this youthful enthusiasm into impactful beach cleanup drives. What began as a modest effort has blossomed into a significant movement, drawing thousands of volunteers.
The Gen Z Beach Cleanup Surge
The Hammad Foundation, established in 2010, launched its Gen Z beach cleanup initiative in 2020. Initially, participation was minimal, with founder Hammad Tanveer recalling, “hardly four people came” to their first drive.
Despite promotions across social media platforms like <a href=“https://www.SindhNews.com” target=“_blank”>SindhNews.com</a>, the foundation struggled to attract significant numbers in its early years. These drives aimed to combat the escalating litter problem plaguing Karachi’s coastline, a space crucial for respite and natural beauty but increasingly burdened by waste.
Growing Momentum for Karachi’s Beaches
A turning point arrived in 2025. For their 13th cleanup, over 250 enthusiastic individuals joined, a stark contrast to previous turnouts. This surge in interest led to the introduction of a youth internship program, engaging over 80 college and university students as representatives.
This momentum culminated in their 15th beach cleanup drive near Chunky Monkey on Seaview. The event saw an extraordinary participation of over 3,000 volunteers on a public holiday. Tanveer noted, “Using social media and word-of-mouth through their interns, the foundation managed to get thousands of people out of their homes.”
SindhNews.com reported that the cleanup, spanning nearly two kilometers of coastline, involved an extensive effort to manage waste, with the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) assisting in disposal.
Impact and Future of Youth Environmentalism
While the turnout was celebrated, Tanveer expressed that the focus also needs to be on sustained engagement with waste collection. “One disappointment was that most of the volunteers had their first beach cleanup,” he stated. The Hammad Foundation continues its broader mission of youth empowerment, extending beyond environmental work to include initiatives for women, employment, and small businesses. This growing movement highlights a powerful generational shift towards proactive environmental action in Karachi.