Newly-rehabilitated Trail 2 opened for hikers.

Byline: Jamal Shahid

ISLAMABAD -- Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam on Wednesday inaugurated the newly-rehabilitated Trail 2 for hikers during a small ceremony.

'It's a hike that looks good in pictures and even better once you're actually here,' Mr Aslam said as he cut the ribbon and announced the trail open for hikers.

A group of enthusiasts and environmentalists joined Mr Aslam on a 40-minute hike that started from Islamabad Zoo on a route that connected with Trail 2. The temperature was perfect with foliage bursting with a sea of colours, glorified in the spring sun as hikers got a dose of fresh air.

'This is a hike that has you saying wow,' one of the hikers said.

'There was a good reason Trail 2 used to be a popular trail. You are surrounded by beautiful trees all along and the hike is challenging,' added another hiker.

Margalla Hills National Park is an asset, said Mr Aslam, adding the idea to declare Margalla Hills a national park was to protect nature and its wildlife which is why, in order to keep it green and clean, we are strictly banning plastic in the park.

'It is unique that leopards live so close to settlement. Leopards are nocturnal. We urge hikers to use trails during the day and not after dark. The park is their home and people need to be considerate and not disturb them,' he said urging people to protect wildlife in the hills.

Elaborating on the theme of World Environment Day 'Forests and Livelihoods', Islamabad Wildlife Management Board Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan said Trail...