“Real happiness lies in inner satisfaction,” articulated Sherzad.

Sherzad hails from the beautiful Yaseen Village in the Ghizer District of Gilgit Baltistan. He graduated with honours in Journalism from the University of Karachi and worked with Dawn TV and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Although he was successful in his career, he felt a profound emptiness inside, a darkness he longed to fill with light. Sherzad identified the source of his discontent: the pressing issues of climate change and global warming, and his minimal contribution to addressing these problems. Furthermore, the income he was earning from his employment was not enough to fulfil the fundamental needs of his family.

Sherzad had a realization: he needed to return home and walk a new path, in agriculture no less. As the eldest of his siblings, Sherzad decided to embrace this new adventure. His family owned 100 kanal of land in the village, and he began his agricultural journey by planting various trees. He chose fruit-bearing plants such as cherry and almond, along with eucalyptus trees. He believed this would be his best contribution to protecting Earth and might also provide a sustainable income.

Growing plants and producing fruit takes a significant amount of time, hard work, and patience - a task not suitable for everyone, which requires determination and industriousness. Sherzad embodied these qualities and while reflecting on his work he said, “My love for nature and sense of civic responsibility keeps me dedicated to my work. The plants are like my children; I never get tired of working in the field.” Sherzad planted around 90 cherry trees, 75 almond trees, 40 apricot trees, and more than 300 eucalyptus trees. Most of these plants are now bearing fruit, providing him with a sustainable income. Furthermore, he assembled four greenhouse tunnels to grow vegetables. At market, he sells his stock and earns a good amount.

Sherzad expressed his satisfaction by sharing one of the most rewarding outcomes of his decision to switch to agriculture – the ability to support his wife in pursuing higher education, moreover the completion of her master's degree.

Sherzad’s shift to agriculture marked a significant step towards his goal of making a meaningful impact on the environment while finding personal fulfilment. His exceptional dedication to service resonates deeply with the core objectives of Ismaili CIVIC. With a fervent commitment to becoming an environmental steward, he aims to inspire others to join him in fostering a greener and safer world for future generations.