Pakistan to Honor Wildlife Guardians as National Committee Finalizes 2026 Conservation Awards
Islamabad: The National Committee of the Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards (PWPA) has finalized the recipients for the 2026 awards after reviewing nominations from Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Syed Moazzam Nizami, Inspector General (Forests), Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, at the Snow Leopard Foundation office in Islamabad.
Awards to these selected candidates will be presented on 31 July at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Islamabad, to mark World Ranger Day. The award ceremony is being jointly hosted by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, the British High Commission Pakistan and the Snow Leopard Foundation. The event will bring together government officials, conservation partners, wildlife professionals, and frontline rangers from across Pakistan to recognise their contribution to protecting the country’s wildlife and natural heritage.
Launched in 2024, by the Snow Leopard Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards recognize individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation across Pakistan’s mountain landscapes. The National committee evaluated 26 nominations received from the three snow leopard range regions under an approved scoring system. Members also approved a new Community Conservation Award to recognize community-led efforts in protecting wildlife and mountain ecosystems. This is the first time a community award has been included to promote community-based conservation and strengthen local conservation organizations.
This year, the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) received 26 nominations from three regions: AJK (6), GB (8), and KP (12) for seven award categories. Based on the final selection, Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa secured three awards each, while Azad Jammu and Kashmir secured one award.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Director, Snow Leopard Foundation; Abid Ali, Director, Central Karakoram National Park, Parks and Wildlife Department Gilgit-Baltistan; Muhammad Faique Khan, Conservator, Wildlife Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Naeem Iftikhar Dar, Director, Fisheries and Wildlife Department AJK; Ashiq Ahmad Khan, senior wildlife expert; Abdul Shakoor Khan, Deputy Director, Fisheries and Wildlife Department AJK; and other committee members.
Dr. Shezra Mansab Kharal, Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, said: “The Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards celebrate the courage of the people who stand on the frontlines of conservation, often in some of the country’s most challenging landscapes. Their commitment safeguards not only endangered wildlife but also the ecological security and natural heritage of Pakistan. By recognizing their service, we reaffirm our national resolve that protecting biodiversity is a shared responsibility and an investment in the future of generations to come.”
Dr. Syed Moazzam Nizami, Inspector General (Forests), said: “Conservation succeeds because of the dedication of people who protect nature every day, far from public attention and often under difficult conditions. The Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards acknowledge these silent guardians whose vigilance strengthens ecosystems, supports local communities, and preserves Pakistan’s remarkable wildlife.”
Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Director of the Snow Leopard Foundation, said: “Over the years, I have learned that successful conservation depends on people who protect nature every single day. Rangers, wildlife watchers and local communities are the real strength behind Pakistan’s conservation efforts. The Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards celebrate these unsung heroes whose dedication keeps our wildlife and ecosystems alive. Their work deserves recognition, respect and continued support.”
Ashiq Ahmad Khan, senior wildlife expert and member of the committee, said: “Every wildlife ranger, watcher and community guardian represents years of quiet service. These awards recognize the people whose daily efforts protect Pakistan’s wildlife and inspire others to join the conservation movement.”
The committee also agreed to consider introducing a dedicated Research Award in future editions of PWPA to recognize outstanding contributions to wildlife research. It further decided that each provincial wildlife department would nominate a permanent focal person to ensure continuity in future meetings.
Faheem Akhtar
Communication officer,
Snow Leopard Foundation,
