From Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Europe: A Youth Migration Journey of Sustainability and Growth

I was born in a quaint village called Jalsai in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, where my home was surrounded by lush agricultural land and trees. I have fond memories of my grandfather, who held the esteemed position of a local leader, taking me on walks amidst the abundant greenery. One vivid recollection is of a clear, pristine canal near our house, and under the shade of trees, elders would gather to discuss and resolve community issues during hot summer afternoons.

The village was characterized by its simplicity and sustainability. Hardly any area was paved, and the absence of concrete was noticeable. Each household kept cows or goats for dairy products, and people relied on local resources for water, food, and shelter. The dwellings were built using vernacular techniques, incorporating materials like mud, strawbale, and sand sourced from the nearby river. The village's layout with narrow streets allowed for fast wind circulation and thermally comfortable interiors, and the smart storm water management techniques further contributed to the overall contentment of rural life. 

Despite not being affluent, the villagers found wealth in their self-sufficiency and harmonious living. However, as time passed, I witnessed the encroachment of concrete masses, deforestation, and the struggle for government funds to pave roads. 

Figure 1. Google earth image shows shift in vegetation pattern in the village.

In the last ten years many agricultural land has been converted into housing schemes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With these changes came a shift in attitudes and perceptions, as artificiality and materialism seeped into the community. 

Leaving Home - Chasing Dreams

Yearning for the simplicity and purity of my childhood days, I ventured to a distant city for my architectural studies since there was no university nearby. The longing for the green areas that were taken away from us has never left me. I feel the loss experienced by many children who are deprived of such a wholesome lifestyle. Thus, I have been on a relentless quest to find that lost way of life, no matter how far I have to search. After completing my architecture degree and working in several jobs, my heart still yearns for the essence of my childhood village. The entire journey can be divided into three distinct episodes.

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In September 2021, an exciting chapter of my life commenced as I embarked on a fully funded Erasmus Mundus joint masters scholarship in urban climate and sustainability in the United Kingdom (UK). Leaving behind my home, my one-year-old son, and a treasure trove of memories, I felt a mix of emotions, but ultimately, happiness prevailed as I was pursuing my dreams.

Unfolding Dreams - Europe travels

This marked the beginning of the second captivating episode of my life, which I fondly named "Unfolding Dreams." When asked about the key difference between episode 1 and 2, my brief answer would be learning to appreciate the blessings that surround you. During my time in the UK and Europe, I encountered numerous strategies and practices that were similar to what we have in our own regions.

I could not help but notice that these natural spaces already exist in abundance in our areas and, with a little attention and care, could become powerful habitats for a wide variety of living beings.

During my study visits in Europe, I had an eye-opening realization that redefining the vocabulary used for sustainability and climate change terms could go a long way in facilitating their implementation. Back in Peshawar, I found it easier to persuade my architecture clients to adopt passive cooling strategies and prioritize green open spaces. This was because I had witnessed these concepts in action and had a better understanding of them, allowing me to explain and teach them more effectively.

One of my visits took me to Milan, Italy, where I had the opportunity to explore the fascinating Bosco Verticale. It's a remarkable complex consisting of two residential skyscrapers designed by Boeri Studio, situated in the Porta Nuova district. The towers, measuring 116 meters and 84 meters in height, boast an impressive feature - they are adorned with 20,000 plants on their exteriors. 

This incredible green marvel serves a multitude of functions. Known as the "vertical forest," it plays a vital role in maintaining optimal humidity and temperature in the vicinity of the buildings, while also acting as a natural absorber of CO2 and microparticles. Notably, its presence has had a positive impact on the local ecosystem, providing a home to around 1,600 species of birds and butterflies (Stefano Boeri Architetti, n.d.). This firsthand encounter underscored the immense potential and advantages of incorporating nature into urban areas.

Rooted Renewal: Peshawar's Return to Growth

In my village and the nearby areas, the local people have a smart way of dealing with the heat and enhancing their buildings. They cleverly cover their houses and shops with climbing plants, which not only shield them from the scorching sun but also provide natural insulation. Additionally, these plants serve as a delightful source of fragrance, adding to the charm of their surroundings. Moreover, some creative individuals have even turned BTS steel towers near their homes into food gardens by growing climbing vegetables on them. It's truly a brilliant use of nature to create both comfort and sustenance in their daily lives.

Every time I return to my village, I can't help but admire the people for their ingenious techniques. They warmly embrace these practices, and it's heartening to see how motivated they become. This transformation marks the beginning of what I call the "rooted renewal," the third chapter of my journey. I've come to realize that sustainability doesn't always mean creating something entirely new. As one of my favorite architects wisely puts it, sustainability can be a joyful and fulfilling experience. He calls it "hedonistic sustainability," where people relish integrating sustainability into their fashion and lifestyle, rather than seeing it as a burden.

Before my experiences abroad, I used to think of living in modest mud homes and thought that simplicity in materials & sacrificing luxuries in design will save the planet, but now I've gained confidence in sharing ideas that can make our villages authentic and modern and our cities strong and sustainable bringing ideas of hedonistic sustainability. It's not about sacrificing our way of life; it's about embracing a harmonious balance between nature and modernity, where sustainability becomes a way of life rather than a mere obligation.

Ecokoor is the delightful fusion that became the foundation of my startup. It's a simple yet powerful combination of two words: "eco," representing environmentally friendly practices, and "koor," a local Pashto term for home. With the slogan "Connecting Cities | Buildings | People | Nature," Ecokoor aims to educate and inspire others about climate change consequences, urban green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

My passion for sharing valuable insights has led me to create short video clips whenever I come across something useful regarding sustainability. With a narration in the local language, I eagerly upload these clips to our Facebook page. It brings me immense joy to see that many people enjoy watching and engaging with our content. I hope that in the future, Ecokoor will act as a catalyst for positive change, fostering a deep connection between people, cities, buildings, and nature, and making our world a better and more sustainable place for everyone.

About the author:

Muhammad Tariq is an Architect, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters alum in Urban climate & Sustainability MUrCS, he is currently teaching mini thesis design studio to B.Arch. & urban ecology to M.Arch. students in Architecture department, CECOS University Peshawar, Pakistan. He is running urban sustainability consultancy focusing on place making, urban heat mitigation & regenerative architecture. For the past five years, his startup, Ecokoor, has been dedicated to raising awareness about climate change and the built environment among the Pashtun community.

This article is part of the IOM Blog Series: Youth Voices on Migration, Environment and Climate Change