By The South Asia Times

LAKKI MARWAT -  Once known for its dusty streets and crumbling infrastructure, Lakki Marwat is now telling a different story—one of revival, hope, and a determined march toward a cleaner, greener future for all.

Hope has been rekindled among the residents as they witness the district administration roll out a series of environmental initiatives under the banner of “Clean and Green Lakki Marwat.” The campaign was launched following the appointment of a committed and proactive Deputy Commissioner—an occurrence rarely seen in this part of the province.

Sweeping through the district with renewed civic spirit and environmental purpose, the campaign is not merely a cosmetic cleanup but a multi-phase, strategic initiative to reinvent public spaces, empower sanitation workers, and instill a lasting sense of environmental stewardship across both urban and rural areas.

Led by Deputy Commissioner Hameedullah Khan, the district administration successfully secured generous provincial support after tireless advocacy and planning. This support translated into concrete action:

356 janitors deployed across 94 Village Councils
170 tricycle carts delivered for door-to-door waste collection
94 loader rickshaws, now a regular sight on town roads
Sanitation workers provided with modern brooms, shovels, axes, and safety gear

This robust support system reflects a strong partnership between local leadership and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Government, ensuring that no corner of the district is neglected.

The campaign began along the Indus Highway—a vital artery that for years was overgrown, littered, and neglected. But in recent weeks, visible change has taken root—quite literally. Medians that once bore the brunt of neglect are now being cleared, leveled, and prepared for the plantation of Dhakki date trees—a nod to the region’s agricultural identity and a sustainable step to reduce dust and pollution.

“When you see trees replacing trash, and workers planting saplings under the morning sun, you start believing that change is finally arriving,” said a local rickshaw driver.

“This isn’t just about cleaning roads — it’s about changing mindsets,” said Deputy Commissioner Hameedullah during a site visit on the Indus Highway. “We want our citizens to take pride in their surroundings.”

The campaign then moved into urban hubs like Lakki City and Sarai Naurang, where streets that were once clogged with uncollected waste are now systematically cleaned. Solid waste management—long plagued by inefficiency—is being overhauled.

Now, tricycle carts and loader rickshaws make daily rounds, collecting garbage directly from homes and businesses. Sanitation workers, who were previously under-resourced and underappreciated, are now well-equipped, better organized, and visibly motivated.

“I’ve worked here for seven years, but this is the first time we’ve been given proper tools and clear instructions,” said a sanitation worker near a bustling market in Lakki City. “Now people notice us — and they thank us.”

Residents, too, are beginning to feel the difference. Markets smell fresher. Streets look cleaner. Children walk to school without navigating piles of trash.

What makes this campaign truly unique is its inclusive vision: no village left behind.
In its third and most ambitious phase, the campaign is preparing to reach all 94 Village Councils, from the most remote settlements to the edge of semi-urban communities.

Plans include not only massive clean-up drives, but also widespread tree plantation efforts to boost green cover and protect the local ecosystem for future generations.

As the dust settles—literally and metaphorically—Lakki Marwat is emerging as a model district, prompting neighboring administrations to take notice and follow suit.
“A clean Lakki Marwat is not just a government goal,” said the Deputy Commissioner. “It’s a shared dream—one road swept, one tree planted at a time. And together, we’re making it a reality.”