Seven Individuals Honoured for Saving Pakistan’s Wildlife

News Desk

Islamabad: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), in partnership with the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) and the wildlife departments of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), has announced the winners of the Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards 2025.

These annual awards recognize outstanding individuals and community members working across snow leopard range areas who have made significant contributions to the conservation and protection of Pakistan’s wildlife.

Following the third meeting of the National Committee for the Citizen Ranger Wildlife Protection Program (CRWPP), the committee reviewed 21 nominations and selected seven individuals for awards in various categories. One award has been reserved for a community-based initiative.

The Snow Leopard Award (national category) will be conferred upon Muhammad Ismail, a Game Watcher with the AJK Wildlife Department, in recognition of his remarkable dedication to wildlife protection.

From Gilgit-Baltistan, the following recipients were selected:

Sher Afgan Ali – Blue Sheep Award

Muhammad Raza – Brown Bear Award

Sakhawat Ali – Wolf Award

From Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,

Israr Ullah, Deputy Ranger – Ibex Award

Muhammad Saleem, Wildlife Watcher – Markhor Award

From AJK,

Mehboob Shah, Game Watcher – Musk Deer Award

The awards will be presented at a formal ceremony later this month organized jointly by MoCC&EC and SLF.

Appreciating the initiative, Minister of State for Climate Change Dr. Shezra Mansab Kharal said, “These awards are a powerful reminder of the courage and commitment shown by those who work tirelessly to protect our natural heritage. These rangers, officers, and community members are the unsung heroes of conservation. Their efforts are vital in our fight against biodiversity loss and climate change.”

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Wildlife Ambassador Sardar Jamal Khan Leghari also praised the initiative, stating:

“Protecting wildlife is not just about saving species—it’s about preserving the ecological balance and securing the wellbeing of future generations. These awards recognize those who have taken real action on the ground—preventing poaching, protecting endangered species, and safeguarding our wilderness.”

Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Director of SLF, emphasized that the awards celebrate the shared commitment of Pakistan’s conservation community.

“Our rangers operate in challenging conditions, often far from the public eye, to protect species critical to biodiversity and ecosystem health.”

Ashiq Ahmad Khan, Chair of the National Committee and a senior wildlife expert, highlighted the sacrifices made by field staff:

“From remote patrols to tackling wildlife crime, these individuals are guardians of our heritage. Recognizing their service inspires broader commitment to conservation.”

Haseena Anbarin, DIG Forest at MoCC&EC, also endorsed the initiative, noting:

“These local champions work with dedication, often without expecting any recognition. Their efforts in protecting snow leopards and their habitats deserve our full support.”

The Ministry and SLF reiterated their commitment to strengthening the Citizen Ranger Wildlife Protection Program, promoting public awareness, and supporting a future where both wildlife and local communities can thrive.