SKARDU: Nestle Pakistan has expanded its Clean Gilgit-Baltistan Project to Askole - Zero Point, a critical launchpad for mountaineering expeditions, by donating a compressing and baling machine to Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP). This initiative aims to manage the 40,000 kilograms of annual plastic waste in the region, aligning with the company's vision for a waste-free future.
The machine will compress various types of plastics and paper waste into bales, which will be transported downstream for recycling in collaboration with the Gilgit Baltistan Waste Management Company (GBWMC). Raja Nasir, Minister for Planning, Government of Gilgit Baltistan, expressed appreciation for Nestle's contribution to waste management in the ecologically sensitive area near the Baltoro and Biafo glaciers.
Jason Avanceña, CEO of Nestle Pakistan, emphasized the company's global commitment to reducing environmental impact through improved waste management and recycling, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving these goals. Sheikh Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Nestle Pakistan, highlighted the success of previous initiatives, which facilitated the management of over 6,800 tons of plastic waste in the region over the past five years.
Nestle has previously installed similar machines in Gilgit, Hunza, and Skardu, and provided infrastructure such as benches and waste bins made from recycled plastic at tourist hotspots. Commissioner Baltistan Kamal Khan and Deputy Commissioner Shigar Wali Ullah Fallahi also attended the event, recognizing the importance of protecting the natural beauty of the area.
Askole - Zero Point, a small hamlet in the Shigar district, serves as a crucial hub for expeditions to some of the world's highest peaks, including K2 and Gasherbrum I. This expansion of Nestle's efforts is part of a broader commitment to environmental sustainability, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals on responsible consumption, production, and partnerships.