Gilani stresses collective responsibility for wildlife conservation

Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has stressed the need for collective efforts to protect Pakistan's rich biodiversity and wildlife, calling conservation a shared responsibility. Addressing an international conservation fundraiser gala dinner hosted by Safari Club International (SCI), Pakistan Chapter, Gilani said Pakistan was blessed with extraordinary biodiversity and some of the world's most remarkable wildlife. He said conservation efforts could succeed when parliament, government, local communities, hunters, hunting outfitters and conservation organisations worked together. Hammad Azhar arrested in Multan, handed over to Lahore police Gilani said ethical and responsible hunting, when conducted lawfully and sustainably, could support wildlife conservation by generating benefits for communities living alongside wildlife. He stressed that legislative and policy frameworks should reflect the views and experience of communities, wildlife professionals, hunters, hunting outfitters and other legitimate stakeholders. 'We all must work in close coordination and understanding to ensure responsible hunting in sync with biodiversity and conservation imperatives,' he said. The acting president also highlighted the role of responsible hunters who follow the law, observe ethical standards and contribute to conservation and community development. He said their rights should go hand in hand with their responsibilities towards wildlife and future generations. ISPR releases 'Manzil Pakistan' national song for Defence and Martyrs' Day Gilani said licensed hunting outfitters were also important stakeholders as they linked hunters, wildlife authorities and local communities, while their field experience could contribute to sustainable hunting and wildlife management. He appreciated the SCI Pakistan chapter for bringing together national and international participants committed to wildlife conservation, advocacy, hunter rights and responsible hunting. Gilani said such platforms provided an opportunity to benefit from international experience while sharing Pakistan's expertise developed across its diverse ecological regions. Seven killed, 60 injured in tractor-trolley, trailer collision He also emphasised the role of organisations such as SCI and the SCI Foundation in supporting conservation, wildlife management, education and international cooperation. 'Pakistan is an international example of how conservation, sustainable use and community development can reinforce one another. To make it more effective, our policies must be transparent, consistent and practical,' he said. The acting president called for stronger coordination between federal and provincial institutions and urged authorities to ensure that the voices of communities and other legitimate stakeholders were considered while developing policies affecting wildlife. Ex-jail superintendent arrested, Rs45m bribe money recovered He said wildlife conservation policies were more likely to succeed when communities had a reason to protect wildlife, adding that Pakistan could benefit from international experience in wildlife management, habitat protection, conservation financing and technology. The event was attended by former federal and provincial minister and SCI Pakistan Chapter Chairman Syed Sumsam Ali Bukhari, former ministers, international delegates, SCI representatives and officials from federal and provincial wildlife authorities. Gilani said healthy wildlife populations, strong local communities, responsible hunting and effective laws were essential for preserving Pakistan's natural heritage for future generations. Tags: gilanistressescollectiveresponsibilitywildlifeconservation