ISLAMABAD (GNP): The Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) Pakistan marked the International Day of the Snow Leopard at FAST University in Islamabad on Friday, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and the university.
Environment experts, faculty members and students attended the event. Amir Mohiyuddin, Additional Secretary at the ministry, was the chief guest. Inspector General of Forests Dr Syed Moazzam Nizami and Kyrgyz Chargé d’Affaires Aibek Tilebaliev were the guests of honour.
Students presented e-posters on the challenges facing the environment and wildlife, especially in the mountains. A short film made by students was also screened. It looked at the threats to snow leopards and Pakistan’s role in protecting them.
The day marks 23 October 2013, when the 12 countries that share snow leopard habitat adopted the Bishkek Declaration. The United Nations declared 23 October the International Day of the Snow Leopard in 2024.
Speaking at the event, Mohiyuddin said the day highlights the value of international cooperation and shared responsibility. “Pakistan is committed to protecting its natural heritage and biodiversity,” he said. “We must protect the snow leopard’s habitat and the corridors wildlife uses to move. Stopping illegal hunting and the wildlife trade is also essential.”
He added that scientific research and effective action on climate change were needed. “The joint efforts of government, institutions and local communities can protect this rare species and its mountain home,” he said.
Tilebaliev said the Kyrgyz Republic has hosted the secretariat of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) in Bishkek since 2014. “This brings together the snow leopard range countries and global partners,” he said. “Protecting our shared natural heritage is a responsibility we all share.” He said Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic are united in their commitment to their mountain heritage, and that protecting the environment must go together with the welfare of mountain communities.
Dr Nizami said climate change was creating new problems for snow leopards and mountain ecosystems.
“Protecting biodiversity needs sustainable use of water, habitat and resources,” he said. He called for stronger institutions, resources and partnerships to carry out Pakistan’s environmental commitments. He thanked SLF, FAST University and the other partners. “Our success lies in leaving future generations healthy mountains where people and wildlife can thrive together,” he said.
SLF Board of Directors Chairman Dr Muhammad Rafiq, FAST University Rector Dr Aftab Ahmad Maroof, FAST Islamabad Campus Director Dr Waseem Shehzad and SLF Director Dr Jaffar Ud Din also spoke. They said young people need to learn more about the value of the country’s natural assets and heritage.
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Students and guests also used an app, opened through a QR code, to take photographs with snow leopards and other rare animals.
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.
