Leopard population can promise healthy ecosystem: Minister

F.P. Report

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan attended an event as chief guest on International Wild life Day organized by Snow Leopard Foundation, embassy of Kyrgyzstan and Serena Hotel While talking to guests federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan said I have very close link to snow leopards as I was elected as chairman of Global Snow leopard steering committee in 2015.

He further said that unsustainable pattern of human development caused the destruction of ecosystem and snow leopard habitat. He also highlighted that Islam is a region that first time talk about climate change .He also emphasized that youth has great role to play in awareness raising.

He said Ghar Ghar Aik Shajar plantation awareness is running successfully in which young students are at forefront .He also told that Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change Ms.Romina Khursheed Alam and Public Relations officer Ms.Zile Huma played an active role in organizing this campaign. Parliamentary secretary for Climate Change Ms.Romina Khursheed Alam emphasized the rapid progress of wildlife conservation policy, strengthening of local and governmental institutes, NGOs and other research institutes. Further speaking minister said, “Besides snow leopard our leopards in plains are also under threat and with every passing month we hear a news of their hunt which is alarming. I am glad to tell that leopards were seen in Margalla hills a few days before that proves that these wild species are dependant upon their natural prey instead of cattles”. She also profoundly appreciated the Quaidian dramatic clubs’ performance in event as well as Quaidian research camp in Margalla. She e said, “I am proud to announce that very soon our government in collaboration to Global environmental faculty is going to launch a project for snow leopard conservation.

Furthermore, Prime minister has announced an allocation of 4.5 billion for Green Pakistan project which further funds 1 billion for wildlife”. Parliamentary Secretary also thanked Government of Kyrgyzstan for the provision of secretariat for Snow leopard protection and hosting GSLEP meetings several times. Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan Mr. Erik Beishembiev also highlighted the awareness about importance of wildlife conservation among people and citizens and snow leopards population in Kyrgyzstan.

The event was made colorful through various skits and documentaries on snow leopard. The events were attended by ambassadors of various countries, government officials, private sector, students and media.