The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, in partnership with the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) and the wildlife departments of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, has announced the winners of the Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards 2025. These prestigious awards honor individuals and communities who have made exceptional contributions to wildlife conservation, with a special focus on safeguarding snow leopard habitats.
The winners were selected during the third meeting of the National Committee for the Citizen Ranger Wildlife Protection Programme, where nominations were reviewed and seven individuals, along with one community, were chosen across various categories.
The highest accolade this year, the “Snow Leopard Award,” will go to Muhammad Ismail, a dedicated game watcher from the Azad Kashmir Wildlife Department, in recognition of his outstanding efforts to protect wildlife. From Gilgit-Baltistan, Game Inspector Sher Afghan Ali will be honored with the Blue Sheep Award, Muhammad Raza with the Brown Bear Award, and Game Watcher Sakhawat Ali with the Wolf Award. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Deputy Ranger Israrullah will receive the Ibex Award, while Wildlife Watcher Muhammad Saleem will be presented with the Markhor Award. Additionally, Game Watcher Mehboob Shah from Azad Kashmir will be recognized with the Musk Deer Award.
The official awards ceremony is scheduled for July 31 in Islamabad. Minister of State for Climate Change, Dr. Shaza Mansab Kharal, lauded the initiative, emphasizing that these awards shine a light on the tireless work of unsung heroes who protect Pakistan’s natural treasures. She stressed that wildlife conservation plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and fighting climate change, and underscored the need for sustained support for these protectors.
Wildlife Ambassador Sardar Jamal Khan Leghari highlighted that conserving wildlife is about more than saving individual species—it is essential for preserving entire ecosystems and ensuring a better future for the next generations. He commended the dedication of field workers who brave harsh conditions in remote mountains and forests.
Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Director of the Snow Leopard Foundation, remarked that these awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also symbolize collective progress in conservation. He praised the resilience of rangers who protect rare species in challenging environments.
Senior wildlife expert and National Committee Chairperson Ashiq Ahmad Khan acknowledged the awardees’ efforts in patrolling far-flung regions, curbing illegal hunting, and safeguarding Pakistan’s natural heritage. DIG Forests Haseena Ambreen added that the awards aim to motivate local protectors who work selflessly to conserve snow leopards and their fragile habitats.
This year’s process saw 21 nominations from across Pakistan, reflecting the country’s deep commitment to conservation in its snow leopard regions. The Ministry and the SLF reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening the Citizen Ranger Wildlife Protection Programme, raising awareness, and fostering a future where people and wildlife flourish side by side.
