Commissioner Malakand Division, Masood Ahmed stresses collective responsibility for environmental protection, women empowerment

Commissioner Malakand Division, Masood Ahmed on Friday underscored the importance of collective efforts for environmental protection, saying that safeguarding the country’s cities, villages and natural resources was a shared responsibility of all segments of society

SWAT, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jul, 2026) Commissioner Malakand Division, Masood Ahmed on Friday underscored the importance of collective efforts for environmental protection, saying that safeguarding the country’s cities, villages and natural resources was a shared responsibility of all segments of society.

Addressing the concluding ceremony of a five-day training programme titled “Empowering Women for Peace and Environmental Justice,” organized here by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Hashoo Foundation, he highlighted the vital role of local communities, particularly women, in promoting environmental justice and sustainable peace.

The commissioner said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was taking effective measures to support initiatives aimed at environmental conservation and community development.

He emphasized that strengthening local leadership was essential for advancing environmental protection, preventing conflicts and building resilient communities at the grassroots level.

The ceremony was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief and Human Rights) Swat, Naimatullah, UNDP Project Analyst, Sadia Bangash, officials from the education Department, and women environmental and human rights defenders representing various village councils across the district.

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A question-and-answer session was also held during the event, where participants raised issues, shared suggestions and sought guidance on matters related to environmental justice and community development.

The commissioner listened to their concerns and responded in detail. Congratulating the participants on successfully completing the training, Masood Ahmed described the programme as a significant step towards creating a network of trained environmental and human rights defenders and community mediators capable of promoting environmental protection, conflict prevention and sustainable peace in their respective communities.

Certificates were distributed among the participants at the end of the ceremony. The training programme aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge, awareness and practical skills, enabling them to actively contribute to environmental justice, peace building, community planning and the effective implementation of local initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, UNDP Project Analyst, Sadia Bangash thanked the commissioner and other distinguished guests for attending the workshop.

Participants also expressed appreciation to UNDP and the Hashoo Foundation, stating that the training had broadened their knowledge and helped strengthen their professional and community engagement skills.