The Struggle with Islamabad’s Air

Islamabad’s air gets worse every day; as September fades, October creeps in, then November, December, and by January, it’s at its worst. Summers offer some relief, but winters choke the city. The air quality index climbs, smog thickens, and breathing feels heavy. Yet, when I escape to the mountains, the air turns crisp, clean, like a gift from the earth. It’s pure, untouched by the city’s pollution, and it wakes up every part of me.

Hiking: My Soul’s Habit

Hiking’s got me hooked; nothing else matches its thrill. The moment I start, each step lifts me higher, closer to freedom. It’s not just exercise; it’s joy, pure and simple. The simpler my life, the happier I am, that’s my belief. Living close to nature keeps me grounded. Every hike pulls me back to that peace, that connection, where my heart feels at home.

When you litter, you hurt the earth, the dirt, the trees, the streams. It’s a betrayal of the peace we come here for. My heart aches seeing plastic bags where wildflowers should be.

A Morning Trek to Freedom

Today, November 30, I set out early for a hike. Islamabad’s city air was heavy, but up in the mountains, it was fresh, alive. The chill hit me on my motorbike ride, cool, but not too cold. Islamabad’s winters are mild; by midday, it’s warm, but mornings and evenings wrap you in a soft chill. I parked my bike, laced my boots, and started climbing. The moment I stepped onto the trail, a rush of freshness flooded me. Happiness bloomed with every breath; the mountains’ clean air washed away the city’s weight.

The Rhythm of the Trail

I hiked for over half an hour, not rushing, just soaking it in. The trail led me to a big pool fed by mountain streams, a place I love. I’m not a great swimmer, but I’ve been getting better. Today, I dove in, letting the water hug me, cool and clear. Each swim here feels like progress; practice makes me stronger. The water was perfect, washing away every trace of the city’s smog.

A Plea for Nature’s Respect

One thing burns me up: people littering on these trails. I hate it. They toss trash without a thought, ruining nature’s beauty. It’s ignorance, plain and simple. We should protect these places, not destroy them. When you litter, you hurt the earth, the dirt, the trees, the streams. It’s a betrayal of the peace we come here for. My heart aches seeing plastic bags where wildflowers should be.

Why Mornings Matter

I always hike at dawn; the trails are quiet then, no crowds. By afternoon, these paths get packed, people, noise, chaos. But early morning? It’s just me, the birds, and the hum of nature. Today was no different; I chose the quiet, and it rewarded me with stillness, with space to breathe, to feel alive.

A Life Beyond the City

I don’t know if Islamabad’s air will ever improve, but up here, it doesn’t matter. These mountains are my escape, my freedom from the city’s smog. Every hike, every swim, pulls me closer to life’s core. My heart begs for more, more trails, more mornings, more moments where time stops, and I’m just part of the wild.

Join My Adventure

Come along! Follow my journey on STORILY, where I share stories, photos, and videos of trails, streams, and the fight to keep nature pure. Let’s cherish the wild together, one step at a time. Visit STORILY to feel the freedom through my eyes!

Write email to the author at kazmi@storily.me