ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said Pakistan is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity and some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife, stressing that protecting this natural heritage is a shared responsibility.
Addressing an international conservation fundraiser gala dinner hosted by Safari Club International, Pakistan Chapter, Gilani said experience had shown that conservation efforts succeed when parliament, government, local communities, hunters, hunting outfitters and conservation organisations work together.
He said ethical and responsible hunting, when carried out lawfully and sustainably, can contribute to wildlife conservation by generating meaningful benefits for communities living alongside wildlife.
Gilani stressed that to make a real difference on the ground, the legislative and policy framework must take into account 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 emphasised the need to recognise the legitimate role of responsible hunters who respect the law, uphold ethical hunting standards and contribute to conservation and community development.
He said their rights must go hand in hand with their responsibilities towards wildlife and future generations. He added that licensed hunting outfitters should also be recognised as important stakeholders as they provide a vital link between hunters, wildlife authorities and local communities, while their field experience can contribute positively to sustainable hunting and wildlife management.
The event was attended by Syed Sumsam Ali Bukhari, former federal and provincial minister and Chairman Safari Club International, Pakistan Chapter, former ministers, international delegates, members and representatives of SCI and its Pakistan chapter, as well as representatives of federal and provincial wildlife authorities.
Gilani appreciated the SCI Pakistan chapter for bringing together national and international participants committed to wildlife conservation, advocacy, hunter rights and responsible hunting.
He observed that such platforms provide opportunities to benefit from international experience while also sharing the knowledge and expertise Pakistan has developed across its diverse ecological regions.
The acting president said organisations such as SCI and the SCI Foundation also have an important role in supporting conservation, wildlife management, education and international cooperation while representing responsible hunters around the world.
“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.
Gilani stressed that federal and provincial institutions must work together, while the voices of communities, wildlife professionals, hunters, hunting outfitters and other legitimate stakeholders should be heard when policies affecting them are developed.
He said such policies succeed when people have a reason to protect wildlife, adding that there is considerable scope to learn from one another, particularly in areas such as wildlife management, habitat protection, conservation financing and technology.
He underlined the significance of healthy wildlife populations, strong local communities, responsible and ethical hunting, effective laws and the preservation of Pakistan’s national heritage for future generations.
“Let us continue to work together with the spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility for our wildlife, our communities and our shared future,” he added.