Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental Sustainability Contribution of Telecom Industry of Pakistan

The aim of this paper is to examine the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs adopted by the telecommunication sector in improving the environmental problem in cities. This difference highlights the need to explore the efficiency of such efforts as well as the opinions of numerous stakeholders on their efficiency. The main research question is whether the CSR activities of telecom companies have any meaningful impact on environmental sustainability or are just a form of symbolic gesture. The study question, therefore, is: How do the telecom companies in Karachi undertake the environmental CSR activities? What do these initiatives represent in the eyes of the stakeholders, in terms of strengths and gaps and future opportunities? The study is qualitative in nature and uses semi structured interviews with CSR managers and top management of major Karachi based telecom companies. There is a preliminary indication that the introduction of campaigns to plant trees, adopt renewable energy, and e-waste management is considered an important measure, but stakeholders doubt the magnitude and sustainability of their outcomes. The research has a limitation in that it involves only one city and relies on managerial opinions. However, it adds value by outlining practical contributions to improving CSR-led environmental practices and provides information on how telecommunications companies can support sustainable business operations in cities