Pakistani restaurant becomes country’s first WWF-certified eco-friendly food joint

The picture shared by Muhammad Jawad Aalam on Google Images in March 2024 shows a sign board of Cheezious in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Muhammad Jawad Aalam)
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Updated 06 June 2024
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Pakistani restaurant becomes country’s first WWF-certified eco-friendly food joint

  • Eco Diner Certification program encourages restaurants to adopt sustainable practices to significantly reduce carbon footprint
  • Cheezious marketing head says proud to be leading the way for an environment-friendly future in Pakistan’s restaurant industry

ISLAMABAD: A renowned Pakistani fast-food brand has been awarded a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) certification as the country’s first eco-friendly restaurant, a press release said on Thursday, marking a major milestone in pioneering sustainable dining practices in the South Asian nation. 

Eco-friendly restaurants are dining establishments that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility in various aspects of their operations.

“WWF Pakistan and Cheezious are thrilled to announce the launch of the Eco Diner program at the Cheezious. This initiative aims to promote sustainable dining practices, and reduce environmental impact within the restaurant sector of Pakistan,” a statement released by WWF said on Thursday.

The Eco Diner Certification program encourages restaurants to adopt sustainable practices to significantly reduce their carbon footprint. The program’s focus is on minimizing food loss and waste and enhancing sustainable practices and efficient management of natural resources to pave the way for net-zero emissions.

“This WWF-Pakistan certification is a huge honor and it underscores our commitment to sustainable practices throughout our operations,” said Zohaib Hassan, the Head of Marketing at Cheezious, a popular pizza and fast food joint. 

“We’re proud to be leading the way for an environment-friendly future in Pakistan’s restaurant industry, and we hope to inspire others to join us on this cheesy, eco-friendly journey.”


At least six killed in roof collapse in Pakistan’s northwest

Updated 04 January 2026
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At least six killed in roof collapse in Pakistan’s northwest

  • Five others trapped under the rubble were rescued and shifted to hospital, rescue official says
  • Roof collapses are a recurring hazard in Pakistan often due to poor construction, aging buildings

ISLAMABAD: At least six people, including women and children, were killed and five others injured after dilapidated roof of a house collapsed in Pakistan’s northwestern Charsadda district, a rescue official said on Sunday.

The roof collapse occurred in Shabqadar tehsil of Charsadda, trapping several people, who had come to attend a wedding, under the rubble, according to local media reports.

A Rescue 1122 spokesman said their teams immediately rushed to the site, rescued five people and retrieved bodies of the deceased.

“Rescue 1122 personnel removed the debris with utmost caution and evacuated the affected people, who were transferred to a nearby hospital,” the spokesman said.

Roof collapses are a recurring hazard across Pakistan. Many such incidents are linked to poor construction practices, aging buildings, and a lack of adherence to building codes.

Informal housing settlements and older urban neighborhoods are especially vulnerable as decades-old roofs often fail to withstand prolonged downpours or snowfall.

In a statement, Shafi Jan, adviser to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister on information, expressed grief over the loss of human lives in the incident.

“The provincial government extends its sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased,” he said.