The Snow Leopard Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), hosted the second Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards in Islamabad.
The event brought together environmental experts, government officials, diplomats, educators, students, and journalists, all gathered to recognise and honour the unsung heroes working for wildlife protection in Pakistan.
Held in connection with World Ranger Day, the ceremony celebrated the dedication, bravery, and long-standing efforts of seven individuals from Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Each recipient received a certificate of recognition, a commemorative trophy, and a cash prize as a national acknowledgement of their unwavering service in the field.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of Pakistan’s first-ever scientific estimate of the snow leopard population. This milestone is based on years of field surveys, camera trapping, and data analysis conducted by the Snow Leopard Foundation and its partners in the high-altitude mountain regions of Pakistan.
Dr. Shezra Mansab Kharal, Minister of State for Climate Change, was the Chief Guest. Other distinguished guests included Mr. Kylychbek Sultan, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan; Sardar Jamal Khan Leghari, Pakistan’s Wildlife Ambassador; Ms. Aisha Humera Chaudhry, Federal Secretary; and Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Director of the Snow Leopard Foundation.
At the national level, the Snow Leopard Award was presented to Muhammad Ismail, a game watcher from AJK, for his outstanding work in Musk Deer National Park. He has risked his life multiple times to apprehend poachers and protect wildlife in the region.
Other recipients of the award are Sher Afghan Ali (Gilgit-Baltistan) Blue Sheep Award, Muhammad Raza (Gilgit-Baltistan), Brown Bear Award, Sakhawat Ali (Gilgit-Baltistan), Wolf Award, Israrullah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ibex Award, Muhammad Saleem (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Markhor Award and Mehboob Shah (Azad Kashmir), Musk Deer Award.
These brave rangers and field staff received their awards from the Minister of State, the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan, Senator Jamal Khan Leghari, the Federal Secretary, and Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, among others.
The event also featured the screening of a special documentary titled “Beyond Borders The Heartbeat of Chitral Rangers”, which beautifully portrayed the challenges and sacrifices of wildlife rangers working in high-altitude and remote areas. It was a tribute to the dedication of field staff protecting Pakistan’s wildlife.
During the event, Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz officially presented the first scientific estimate of the snow leopard population in Pakistan, calling it a landmark achievement. After 15 years of rigorous fieldwork and evidence-based research, the data suggests an estimated population of 167 snow leopards, making Pakistan the fourth largest snow leopard range country in the world.
In her keynote address, Minister Dr. Shezra Mansab Kharal stated:
“These rangers and field officers are the true heroes of our wildlife. Their tireless efforts not only safeguard our natural heritage but also strengthen our national response to climate change.”
Sardar Jamal Khan Leghari added:
“Protecting wildlife is about more than animals; it’s about saving entire ecosystems and securing the future for coming generations. The individuals we honour today are creating real change on the ground.”
The event also celebrated Pakistan’s cultural diversity through vibrant music and dance performances. It concluded with the distribution of honorary shields and certificates to award committee members and volunteers, followed by a group photo session.
The Snow Leopard Foundation and the Ministry of Climate Change reaffirmed their joint commitment to a greener, safer, and wildlife-rich Pakistan.
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