Saving the snow leopard means protecting the entire mountain ecosystem and the communities that depend on it
Islamabad : Pakistan joined the global celebration of International Snow Leopard Day with a symbolic 23-minute hike organized at Trail 5,, under the worldwide campaign #23for23 – 23 Minutes for Snow Leopards.
The event was jointly organized by the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) Pakistan, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), and the Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR).
The global campaign, initiated by the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), encourages individuals to dedicate 23 minutes of physical activity, symbolizing the snow leopard’s strength, balance, and endurance, to raise awareness for its conservation.
A large number of participants, including officials from MoCC&EC, IWMB, faculty and students of PMAS-AAUR, representatives of the media, and members of civil society, took part in the hike with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the participants, Haseena Anbareen, Deputy Inspector General, MoCC&EC, said the snow leopard is not just a magnificent creature but a symbol of balance and resilience in nature. “When we talk about saving the snow leopard, we are also talking about protecting the entire mountain ecosystem, the rivers, glaciers, forests, and the communities that depend on them,” she said.
She added that through the #23for23 campaign, people across snow leopard range countries, from Kyrgyzstan to Nepal, Mongolia to Pakistan, are joining hands to promote awareness for the species. “Every step we take together for nature counts,” she emphasized, urging participants to share their hike moments on social media and spread the message of conservation.
Dr. Tariq Mahmood, Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, PMAS-AAUR, highlighted the ecological importance of the snow leopard as an apex predator. “The snow leopard sits at the top of the mountain ecosystem’s food chain, playing a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. However, its global population is declining due to climate change and human pressures,” he said.
Dr. Jaffar Ud Din, Deputy Director, Snow Leopard Foundation, said that SLF is working across Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir to conserve snow leopards and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. “This global day of action, guided by GSLEP, is being celebrated simultaneously in Pakistan’s snow leopard range regions to promote awareness about this elusive species,” he added.
Sakhawat Ali, Director, Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, lauded the collaborative efforts of partner organizations in organizing the event. “It is important to celebrate this day to remind ourselves of the need to protect our high-altitude wildlife and their fragile habitats,” he said.
The Snow Leopard Foundation has been leading conservation efforts in Pakistan through research, community engagement, and awareness campaigns. Earlier this year, SLF completed the country’s first-ever Snow Leopard Population Census, providing scientifically verified data on the species’ distribution and numbers.
Participants concluded the event by sharing their hiking experiences using the hashtag #23for23, joining a global movement celebrating the spirit and resilience of the “Ghost of the Mountains.”
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
