Wasim Akram ’embarrassed’ as British High Commissioner picks trash in Islamabad

Wasim Akram has expressed his embarrassment and disgust after the British High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner shared pictures of himself picking trash in Islamabad.

“Now this is really embarrassing. Where are we heading?,” questioned Akram, who has been actively cleaning the beach in Karachi over the past couple of years.

The former captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team also thanked Dr Turner “for doing this almost every week.”

“Safai Nisf Imaan [Hai],” asserted Wasim.

Now this is really embarrassing. Where are we heading ? And thanks Mr Turner for doing this almost every week . #safaainisfimaan https://t.co/38wCd9o3J5

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) May 7, 2021

Earlier on Friday, Dr Turner shared a picture of himself holding two bags of trash he collected after his morning walk on the Margalla Hills in Islamabad.

“Another Friday morning walk, another two bags of litter,” said Turner. “Safaai nisf imaan hai (cleanliness is half of faith).”

Dr Turner also tagged the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad Hamza Shafqaat, who praised him, saying “Great”.

However, the DC’s comments did not sit well with netizens who called him out for being negligent towards his work.

Shafqaat later clarified his comment, saying that his intention was misunderstood.

“This comment is grossly misunderstood. I was just appreciating the efforts of Dr Christian to keep Islamabad clean,” said Hamza, adding: “I would request everyone to not litter in forests. It is everyone’s responsiblity to keep their surroundings clean.”

This comment is grossly misunderstood. I was just appreciating the efforts of @CTurnerFCDO to keep Islamabad clean. I would request everyone to not litter in forests. It is everyone's responsiblity to keep their surroundings clean. https://t.co/1gdhwiai8C

— Muhammed Hamza Shafqaat (@hamzashafqaat) May 7, 2021

He later also said that sanitation teams picked up 1600 tonnes of waste today (Friday).

“Everyone please remember that cleanliness is a two-way street and everyone of us is responsible for it and not just the British High Commissioner,” urged Shafqaat.

Sanitation Teams picked up 1600 tonnes of waste today. Despite our over commitment with covid we volunteered along with @TigersForceICT. Everyone plz remember that cleanliness is a 2 way street and everyone of us is responsible for it and not just the British High Commissioner https://t.co/jVwwrjZC3o pic.twitter.com/KKlVClQIOQ

— Muhammed Hamza Shafqaat (@hamzashafqaat) May 7, 2021

Meanwhile, last week, Dr Turner had urged the residents of the federal capital to keep Islamabad clean by avoiding littering at open and green places.

“Meals are for sharing not littering,” Dr Turner had said, sharing a picture of two plastic bags stuffed with empty water bottles, tin cans and other waste material.

“Please help keep beautiful Islamabad clean,” he had said.

Meals are for sharing not littering. Two bags of rubbish collected on Margallas #FridayMorningWalk – please help keep beautiful Islamabad clean cc @hamzashafqaat @dcislamabad @CleanGreenPK pic.twitter.com/jHcvUWxO1c

— Christian Turner (@CTurnerFCDO) April 30, 2021