Category: 1. Pakistan

Conservationists snapped images of two small wildcat species in Pakistan earlier this year: an Asiatic caracal (Caracal caracal schimitzi) and a sand cat (Felis margarita) — both which are incredibly rare in the country. Information on both cats in Pakistan is limited, with the sand cat presumed possibly extinct there, according to the IUCN, the global wildlife conservation authority.

The camera-trap image of the caracal is “very rare visual evidence of the once widespread but now rapidly declining species,” says Zafeer Ahmed Shaikh, director of the Indus Fishing Cat Project. That image — the first camera-trap record of a caracal in Pakistan, according to Shaikh — came from Kirthar National Park, where the Indus Fishing Cat Project, an NGO, has had cameras set for around four years.

The team decided to extend its camera trapping after earlier reports of a caracal crossing a road in broad daylight in the area in January this year. The NGO’s local partners, Qalandar Burfat, Zohaib Ahmed and Ramzan Burfat, set up the trap near a watering hole inside the national park.

“There was only one singular video of this male cat from about 400 videos at this particular camera station across a two-week-long period,” Shaikh says. Unfortunately, another sighting included one juvenile cat killed in the national park by local people.

These images offer firm evidence that caracals are still present in Pakistan, says Jim Sanderson, founder and director of the Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation. “But, as with most places, we have no idea if a self-sustaining population exists.”

Camera-trap footage shows an adult male caracal in Kirthar National Park, Pakistan. Based on recent records, the species still clings on in the Cholistan Desert, the Kirthar Range, and central and southern Balochistan highlands of Pakistan, says Shaikh. Image courtesy of the Indus Fishing Cat Project.

The sightings “give us better insight into species distribution and habitat preferences in the country,” Ricky Reino, an Asiatic caracal species monitor and studbook keeper for the European Zoo population, told Mongabay by email.

“We know that caracal numbers are considerably less in Asia, especially in India, than they are in Africa,” he adds. Though the caracal is listed by the IUCN as a species of least concern globally, within Pakistan it’s considered critically endangered, with an estimated population of approximately 100 individuals. A 2023 paper noted there’s “no comprehensive information on the distribution or abundance of the caracal in Pakistan.”

With the species deemed widespread and a low priority across much of its range, few “conservation-based threat-reduction projects are taking place” anywhere, including in Pakistan, Sanderson adds. The species’ status is currently under review by the IUCN.

In another rare feat, Shaikh’s organization snapped a picture of a sand cat — a species listed as possibly extinct in Pakistan, according to the IUCN.

“The sighting of the sand cat in Pakistan is highly significant from both ecological and conservation perspectives since the species was practically unknown this far east of its range,” Shaikh says. Other sporadic sightings have been recorded in other parts of the country.

“These confirmed photographic records are extremely valuable, as the species is poorly documented in South Asia,” he says. “And Pakistan lacks comprehensive data on its distribution or population status.”

Little known, highly endangered

Kirthar National Park, where both cat species were spotted, sits on the border of Karachi, a city that’s home to some 20 million people. Despite the preserve’s protected status, it is beset by sand mining activities, says Shaikh.

Karachi, the capital city of Pakistan’s Sindh province and the 12^th-largest city in the world, is undergoing massive development with ongoing conversion of its green belt to residential and commercial areas.

“Such projects require sand and gravel to construct and build, and as such, they extract these natural resources from within the national park itself,” Shaikh says. “It is happening at multiple sites. But two locations — Pachhran and Khar Centre — are notorious.”

Khar Centre is where the caracal was photographed, with sand and gravel mining activity there likely impacting the small cats and a host of other species — disrupting habitat, threatening water sources, and creating noise and other pollution.

For small cats in Pakistan, in general, retaliatory killings pose another major threat. That’s the current focus of conservation work by Shaikh’s organization.

The group says it hopes to capture more images of caracals and sand cats to deepen knowledge of the country’s populations. But with stretched resources, the NGO’s focus is on direct conservation action. “Our goal is to expand on existing awareness programs as well as to create a solid foundation for a compensation scheme in the region,” Shaikh says.

Similarly, the sand cat sighting may help build a case for a national conservation strategy, targeting threats such as habitat degradation due to overgrazing and retaliatory killings.

“Every verified sighting is contributing to baseline data, and solidifying the mapping of its current range, and supports its inclusion in national conservation strategies,” Shaikh says.

“These sightings are important, as it shows the need for dedicated research and conservation initiatives focussing on caracals and other small cats,” Reino says.

Conservation of small wildcats is severely underfunded worldwide, though research and conservation financing has increased in recent years. Only around 3% of global felid funding is currently directed at the more than 36 species of small cats, with the lion’s share going to the charismatic big cats, according to Sanderson.

“[S]mall wildcats are far from the priority species or wildlife groups of most wildlife conservation bodies in Pakistan,” Shaikh says. “These species go by unnoticed very easily, and thus, this creates huge research gaps and conservation issues that must be addressed soon.”

Shaikh says he hopes the new photo records for both small cats will “stimulate scientific interest and raise awareness among local communities and authorities,” ultimately building a case for conserving Pakistan’s elusive small cats, rare as they may be.

Banner image: Camera-trap image of the caracal spotted in Kirthar National Park. The cat appeared only once during the span of two weeks of camera trapping. Image courtesy of the Indus Fishing Cat Project.

Shining a spotlight on the wide-roaming sand cat ‘king of the desert’

Citations:

Ullah, N., Basheer, I., Rehman, F. U., Zhang, M., Khan, M. T., Khan, S., & Du, H. (2024). Livestock depredation by large carnivores and human–wildlife conflict in two districts of Balochistan province, Pakistan. Animals, 14(7), 1104. doi:10.3390/ani14071104

Azhar, M., Fatima, R., Khan, M. R., Safdar, A., Iqrar, N., & Anwar, B. (2023). The decline of wild carnivores and their conservation efforts in Pakistan — A review. Lahore Garrison University Journal of Life Sciences, 7(4), 474-494. doi:10.54692/lgujls.2023.0704311

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KARACHI: A consortium of Pakistani corporate entities on Monday launched the country’s first, fully subscribed Rs2 billion ($7 million) Agri-Infrastructure Sukuk to bolster renewable energy efforts and enhance production of essential staple food items, with a ceremonial gong strike at the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

Sukuk are financial certificates, often referred to as Islamic bonds, that represent ownership in an asset or a collection of assets and are designed to be Sharia-compliant by adhering to Islamic law, which prohibits interest-based transactions (riba). Instead of interest, sukuk holders receive a share of the profits generated by the underlying asset.

The Shariah-compliant Sukuk is backed by a 100 percent principal credit guarantee from InfraZamin Pakistan, which mobilizes private investment in pioneering infrastructure. The financial certificate carries a long-term AAA rating by VIS Credit Rating Company and is fully subscribed by institutional investors, a major step toward sustainable financing via capital markets in the country’s agricultural sector.

The funds raised through the Sukuk, whose issuance is led by BankIslami Pakistan Limited as the mandated lead arranger, will be utilized to advance Sunridge Foods’ Balancing, Modernization, and Replacement (BMR) projects, focused on upgrading production facilities with sustainable and energy-efficient technologies, according to InfraZamin Pakistan.

“Key components of the BMR include the installation of 1MW wind turbines and a 0.5MW solar power plant to bolster Sunridge’s renewable energy efforts, alongside the construction of new silos and warehouses to substantially expand agricultural produce storage capacity,” InfraZamin said in a statement.

“Additionally, the proceeds will provide working capital support for Sunridge’s critical wheat and rice processing plants in Karachi and Lahore, facilitating increased production of essential staple food items.”

On the occasion, Deputy British High Commissioner in Karachi Lance Domm lauded the initiative as a significant step toward climate-resilient and sustainable economic growth through capital market innovation.

“This Sukuk represents a significant step in expanding access to climate-friendly, Shariah-compliant finance in Pakistan’s agri-infrastructure sector,” Domm said.

“It reflects growing confidence in the country’s capital markets and the role of partnerships in mobilizing private investment for development. The UK, through its support to InfraZamin and other financial institutions, remains committed to strengthening Pakistan’s financial ecosystem.”

InfraZamin Pakistan CEO Maheen Rahman highlighted the strategic importance of the transaction, saying it reflected their commitment to facilitating sustainable financing solutions that empower Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

“By providing a principal credit guarantee, InfraZamin strengthens investor confidence and unlocks capital market access,” she said.

Amir Shahzad, chairman and executive director of Sunridge Foods, emphasized the operational and environmental benefits of the development at the ceremony.

“At Sunridge Foods, we are proud to be part of this landmark issuance that channels Islamic finance toward strengthening Pakistan’s agri-infrastructure,” Shahzad said.

“This Sukuk enables us to modernize our production capabilities, invest in renewable energy, and significantly expand our storage and processing capacity for essential food staples. It is a testament to how purpose-driven partnerships can unlock sustainable growth in critical sectors like food and agriculture.”

The event at PSX underscored the collective vision of all stakeholders to foster innovative, Shariah-compliant financing avenues that drive Pakistan’s sustainable infrastructure and agricultural development, according to InfraZamin.

“We are pleased to play our role in the launch of Pakistan’s first Agri-Infrastructure Sukuk, marking a significant step forward in sustainable financing for the country,” said Rizwan Ata, president and CEO of BankIslami.

“This transaction highlights the growing recognition of Shariah-compliant finance as a core tool for driving economic growth while supporting sustainable development.” 

PSX Chairperson Dr. Shamshad Akhtar emphasized that Pakistan’s intersecting crises of climate vulnerability and food insecurity demand bold, homegrown solutions. She commended the launch of the Agri-Infrastructure Sukuk as a defining example of how private sector leadership and financial innovation, particularly within Islamic finance, can mobilize capital toward climate resilience and agricultural development.

“[Such initiatives are] powerful catalysts for inclusive growth, food system transformation, and a sustainable future built on values, ingenuity, and collaboration,” she was quoted as saying.

PSX CEO Farrukh Subzwari reaffirmed the Exchange’s commitment to transforming the capital market into a platform for purposeful solutions, especially in addressing climate risk, food insecurity, and the structural gaps facing Pakistan’s economy.

“Banks, fund managers, corporates, regulators like SECP, and institutional investors must work together to build the ecosystem for sustainable finance,” the statement quoted him as saying.

“PSX will continue to serve not just as a marketplace, but as a catalyst for innovation, inclusion, and resilience— where ideas translate into impact and capital is mobilized for national priorities.”

LAHORE:

Authorities across Pakistan have issued a red alert as heavy monsoon rains continue to lash wide swaths of the country, triggering flash floods, landslides, and rising river levels.

The downpour—expected to intensify through July 25—has already claimed at least 13 lives in the past 24 hours, with dozens injured, according to official figures.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts persistent rain and thunderstorms across upper and central regions, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Balochistan.

Heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in local streams and nullahs in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, and other hilly areas. Urban flooding is also anticipated in low-lying parts of major cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Peshawar.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 216 people have died and 582 injured since the onset of the monsoon season on June 26. Over 770 homes have reportedly collapsed due to rain-related incidents.

In Punjab, the fourth spell of monsoon rains is underway, prompting emergency alerts from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

Authorities have warned that this spell could be more intense than previous ones, with high-impact rainfall expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Chakwal, Gujrat, and other central and northern districts. Southern regions such as Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Multan are also bracing for storms.

Rising water levels in major rivers have raised concerns about potential flooding. The PDMA has issued warnings regarding increased flow in the Ravi, Jhelum, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers. The Indus River has already reached medium flood levels at Taunsa, with flow surpassing 420,000 cusecs. Low-level flooding is also being observed at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma.

As a precaution, emergency response teams have been deployed to key locations. Rescue 1122 has mobilised boats and staff in flood-prone areas, while the health department has established medical camps. In Lahore’s Shahdara area, the water level in the Ravi River has risen above 8,900 cusecs—approaching the flood alert threshold.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that all district administrations have been instructed to remain on high alert. Section 144 has been imposed around rivers and streams to restrict public access, and field officers have been directed to closely monitor vulnerable zones. Machinery and personnel have been deployed at chokepoints to ensure effective drainage and emergency response.

Meanwhile, the Met Dept has refuted social media claims of a “cloudburst” in Chakwal on July 17, which alleged rainfall exceeding 423 mm. The department confirmed that the actual recorded precipitation was only 142.2 mm, and no cloudburst was detected by Doppler radar or ground stations.

The PMD warned that spreading misinformation can cause public panic and urged media outlets to verify data before publication.

Residents across Pakistan are being urged to remain cautious, avoid flood-prone areas, and follow official guidance as monsoon activity continues. The PMD predicts rains will likely persist until at least July 26, with the potential for further disruption depending on evolving weather patterns.

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider visited flood-affected areas of Chakwal on Sunday. The local administration—including the DCO, DPO, and PDMA officials—briefed the governor about the situation on the ground.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Saleem Haider said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would not leave the flood victims alone. He assured all possible support to compensate for homes washed away in the floodwaters.

The governor also met with flood victims and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the full rehabilitation of flood-affected areas.

During his visit to the Dohman area, he inspected damage caused by flash floods and noted that widespread rains have inflicted severe damage across several regions of the country. He called on all segments of society to join hands with the government in relief and rehabilitation efforts.

TEHRAN – Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni expressed solidarity with Pakistan on Monday as catastrophic monsoon floods ravage the nation, offering “all possible assistance” during a high-level phone call with his Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi.

The diplomatic engagement comes ahead of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s scheduled visit to Islamabad, highlighting deepening bilateral ties amid crisis.

“Heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased,” Minister Momeni declared, emphasizing that “Iran stands with the Government and people of Pakistan in this difficult time.”

The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has mobilized readiness to dispatch medical and relief teams, reinforcing Tehran’s commitment to immediate humanitarian action.

IRCS head Pir-Hossein Kolivand confirmed preparations to support Pakistan’s flood response, stating, “We are ready to send medical and relief teams to assist humanitarian operations.”

Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province – its most populous region – faces unprecedented devastation, with relentless rains since June 26 triggering flash floods that killed 63 people in a single 24-hour period.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirms at least 124 fatalities and 264 injuries nationwide, predominantly from collapsing homes. District Chakwal recorded a catastrophic 400mm deluge overnight, submerging entire communities, while Rawalpindi issued mass evacuation orders after 200mm rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems.

Minister Naqvi acknowledged Iran’s solidarity, stating Pakistan “looks forward to welcoming President Pezeshkian” next week.

This diplomatic coordination follows Naqvi’s recent Tehran meeting with Ali-Akbar Velayati, a senior Adviser of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, where both strategized on mutual interests and crisis response frameworks.

During a phone call with President Pezeshkian on June 15, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the international community and the United Nations to take “urgent and credible steps” to end the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran.

The call between the interior ministers also reinforced Islamabad’s consistent acknowledgment of Tehran’s historical support, notably during Pakistan’s 2022 superfloods that submerged a third of the country.

Iran had then dispatched 100 tons of aid through its Red Crescent, exemplifying what Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif terms “very historical and brotherly relations” between the Muslim neighbors.

The current disaster evokes traumatic memories of the 2022 floods that killed 1,700 people and displaced 30 million.

UN officials now warn this monsoon season could rival that devastation, with glacial melt from northern heatwaves accelerating flood risks.

Punjab remains under a state of emergency; its military deployed for rescue operations as communities drown under record rainfall exceeding 100mm daily. Weather models predict “exceptional high” floods along the Jhelum River, potentially reaching 450,000 cusecs (cubic feet per second) – a volume capable of submerging entire districts.

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured six of the 11 Senate seats from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) as polling concluded on Monday, following a seat-sharing arrangement between the government and opposition, Express News reported.

According to unofficial results, PTI won six seats while the opposition alliance, made up of PPP, PML-N, and JUI-F, secured five. Voting was held in the K-P Assembly’s Jirga Hall, where all 145 members cast their votes. Polling started at 11am and continued until 5:30 pm.

PTI candidates Murad Saeed, Faisal Javed, Allama Noorul Haq Qadri, and Mirza Afridi won general seats with 26, 22, 21, and 21 votes, respectively. From the opposition side, PML-N’s Niaz Ahmed, JUI-F’s Attaul Haq Darwaish, and PPP’s Talha Mahmood also secured seats with 19, 18, and 17 votes.

In the women’s category, PTI’s Rubina Naz was elected with 89 votes, followed by PPP’s Rubina Khalid with 52 votes. For technocrat seats, PTI’s Azam Swati won with 89 votes, while JUI-F’s Dilawar Khan secured 54 votes.

The voting followed a pre-decided power-sharing deal between the ruling party and opposition, under which PTI was allotted six seats and the opposition five. This arrangement helped avoid political confrontation and reduced the chances of horse-trading, which had been a concern in the past.

Despite internal friction and some PTI candidates refusing to withdraw, the party’s leadership managed to rally support for its main nominees. The opposition, meanwhile, fielded its candidates through a joint strategy and achieved its target.

Speaking after the voting, Opposition Leader Dr. Ibad thanked the allied parties for their support and said the process showed mutual respect for each other’s mandate. JUI-F’s Maulana Attaul Haq promised to use his Senate role to advocate for peace and jobs in the province.

A total of 25 candidates had contested for the 11 seats—seven general, two technocrat, and two reserved for women—with several candidates withdrawing ahead of the vote.

Punjab Assembly Senate by-election

Ruling party candidate Hafiz Abdul Karim of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won the Senate by-election in the Punjab Assembly, securing 242 votes.

Polling for the vacant Senate seat began at 9 am and continued until 4 pm. A total of 345 out of 368 votes were cast, with three votes rejected.

The election was supervised by Provincial Election Commissioner Sharifullah, who acted as the presiding officer. According to unofficial results announced after the vote count, Abdul Karim defeated opposition-backed candidate Mehr Abdul Sattar, who received 99 votes.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was among those who cast their votes. PML-N’s Chief Whip Rana Arshad served as polling agent for the ruling party, while Rana Shehbaz represented the opposition during the process.

The final results will be released by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD:

Torrential rain battered Islamabad, causing urban flooding, damaging homes, and submerging a vehicle, as authorities issued high alerts in both the capital and neighbouring Rawalpindi amid rising water levels in major nullahs.

According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi, Saidpur Village received 145mm of rainfall within 3.5 hours, triggering flash floods in seasonal streams. Water flowed above bridge levels in several areas, while a car was swept away by the current. The vehicle has since been retrieved.

In Saidpur, a wall collapse due to the downpour caused damage to nearby homes. Streets and residences were flooded, leaving residents stranded and struggling to navigate through waterlogged lanes.

The Met Office clarified that the situation did not qualify as a cloudburst. “Saidpur recorded 124mm of rain in 2.5 hours, while Golra saw 46mm. A cloudburst is when rainfall exceeds 100mm in one hour,” the official said.

In neighbouring Rawalpindi, water levels in Nullah Leh also rose sharply. WASA has declared a rain emergency and issued a red alert. At Katarian Bridge, the water level reached 14 feet, while in Gawalmandi it rose to 6.5 feet. Emergency teams have been mobilised to manage the situation.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecast further heavy rainfall in the next 12 hours, warning of up to 50mm in the Pothohar region.

Islamabad deputy commissioner visited the affected area and instructed officials to intensify operations against encroachments. “Illegal constructions are obstructing the natural flow of water in the nullahs,” he said, directing immediate clearance.

DC Irfan Nawaz Memon directed all assistant commissioners to inspect low-lying areas in their jurisdictions and take immediate steps to mitigate potential risks.

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration said monitoring of seasonal streams and nullahs is ongoing to prevent overflow or urban flooding. Special teams have been deployed to ensure smooth water flow, particularly in flood-prone zones.

Authorities have urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures during the wet spell. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel. The DC also encouraged the public to promptly report emergencies or blocked drains for swift response.

Meawnhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecast a fourth monsoon spell across Punjab.

This spell is expected to be stronger than the previous ones, bringing thundershowers, wind, and rain to several regions, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and parts of southern Punjab.

PDMA has issued an alert for the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding from July 20 to 25, urging local authorities to remain vigilant.

Read More: Heatwave grips Lahore as Punjab braces for fourth monsoon spell

River levels in the Ravi, Jhelum, Sutlej, and Chenab are expected to rise, while medium-level flooding has already been reported in the Indus River.

To manage the potential impact, provincial agencies such as WASA, LWMC, and local municipalities have mobilised emergency measures to handle flood risks, and authorities have enforced Section 144 around rivers and streams to ensure public safety.

Other parts of the country, including Kashmir, Upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, north-east Punjab, the Pothohar region, Gilgit-Baltistan, north-east and southern Balochistan, and southern Sindh, are expected to experience rain, wind, and thundershowers over the next twelve hours.