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ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):The Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), in collaboration with the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) and wildlife departments from Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K), announced seven individuals for the Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards 2025 against their exemplary efforts .
Following a detailed evaluation of 21 nominations during the third meeting of the National Committee for the Citizen Ranger Wildlife Protection Program (CRWPP), seven individuals were selected for their outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation in Pakistan’s snow leopard range areas. Additionally, one award has been reserved for a community initiative, said a press release issued on Monday.
The Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards aimed to shine a spotlight on those working behind the scenes to protect the wildlife and ecosystems of the country.
Among the selected individuals, Muhammad Ismail, Game Watcher from the AJK Wildlife Department, will receive this year’s Snow Leopard Award for his exemplary commitment to wildlife conservation.
Another Gamer Watcher from the same region, Mehboob Shah, was selected for the Musk Deer Award.
While, three officers from Gilgit-Baltistan, such as Sher Afgan Ali, Muhammad Raza, and Sakhawat Ali, will be honored with the Blue Sheep Award, Brown Bear Award and Wolf Award, respectively.
Similarly, Israr Ullah deputy ranger and Muhammad Saleem wildlife watcher from KPK have been declared winners for the Ibex Award and Markhor Award.
The awards will be presented during a formal ceremony organized by MoCC&EC and SLF later this month.
Minister of State for MoCC&EC dr. Shezra Mansab Kharal appreciated Pakistan wildlife protection awards.
“The Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards are a powerful reminder of the courage and commitment shown by those who work tirelessly to protect our country’s natural heritage. These rangers, officers, and community members are the unsung heroes of conservation, and their efforts are essential in our fight against biodiversity loss and climate change. As a nation, we must continue to support and celebrate their role in securing a more sustainable future,” she said.
The Wildlife Ambassador, Sardar Jamal Khan Leghari, Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Director of the Snow Leopard Foundation, Ashiq Ahmad Khan, senior wildlife expert and Chair of the National Committee, Haseena Anbarin, DIG Forest, MoCC&EC, also lauded the unseen efforts of those heroes who are tirelessly working in preserving Pakistan’s natural treasures.
MoCC&EC and SLF reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the Citizen Ranger Wildlife Protection Program and strengthening conservation awareness across the country.