By: Shehneela Mazhar
In the bustling world of sustainability and innovation, one name stands out: Salman Tariq. A Fulbright Masters alumnus from Columbia University, Salman’s journey as PUAN Eco Warrior is a testament to his unwavering dedication to promoting a greener and more sustainable Pakistan.
Salman’s foray into the world of environmental advocacy began in 2009 when he embarked on a career with K-Electric. It was during this time that he encountered a pressing issue – Pakistan’s largest Cattle Colony was causing an environmental disaster with its waste polluting the sea. Driven by his motivation to make a difference, Salman spent over four years meticulously working on a project to transform this waste into power, a venture aimed at curbing the catastrophic environmental impact.
Fuelled by his commitment, Salman’s path led him to pursue higher education in clean energy. He embarked on a transformative journey, completing his Masters in Public Administration (MPA) in Energy & Environment from Columbia University through the prestigious Fulbright program from 2015-17. Armed with knowledge, insights, and a global perspective, he returned to Pakistan ready to make waves.
In 2017, Salman co-founded Davaam – a platform that encapsulates his relentless pursuit of sustainability. Davaam’s journey has traversed multiple avenues, from solar energy initiatives to environmentally-focused e-commerce, zero-waste retail shops, and waste management endeavors. A highlight of this journey is Davaam’s innovation: refill & dispensing station technology. This revolutionary solution incentivizes consumers to reuse packaging, reducing single-use plastic waste while offering essential consumer products at affordable prices, a boon in an era of rising costs.
What sets Davaam apart is its ingenuity. The technology, locally produced, places Pakistan at the forefront of sustainable solutions, transcending global standards. Salman Tariq’s visionary leadership has not only created a platform for change but has pioneered a movement that empowers individuals to make a difference, proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand for a brighter future.
