Latest news with #MusawirKhan
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
K-P committed to 'Markhor conservation'
On the occasion of World Markhor Day, observed on May 24, Special Assistant to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Wildlife, Forests, Environment, and Climate Change, Pir Musawir Khan, highlighted the province's commitment to the conservation of the Markhor, Pakistan's national animal. In his message, Pir Musawir Khan stated that the primary objective of celebrating this day is to raise public awareness about the importance of the Markhor, the threats it faces, its ecological role, and the need for its protection. "The provincial government is fully dedicated to conserving the Markhor and is taking concrete steps in this regard," he said. He also acknowledged the active involvement of local communities in Chitral, Kohistan, and other regions, noting their significant contribution to conservation efforts. He emphasized the role of the Markhor Trophy Hunting Program, which not only helps maintain a sustainable population of the species in accordance with ecological needs but also benefits local communities.
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
CM approves establishment of Safari Park in Nowshera
PESHAWAR: In a major initiative to promote tourism and recreational activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art Safari Park in Nowshera district. Chairing a meeting of the Department of Forests and Environment, the chief minister directed that the project be included in the next Annual Development Programme (ADP) for execution on ground. Adviser to the Chief Minister, Musawir Khan, along with senior officials from the Departments of Forests and Environment, Finance, and Planning & Development, attended the meeting. During the session, officials briefed participants on various aspects of the proposed Safari Park. It was told that the proposed Safari Park will span 560 acres — twice the size of the Lahore Safari Park — and will be established in Misri Banda, Nowshera, where government land is readily available. The site has been deemed highly suitable for such a project based on its location. The park is estimated to cost Rs. 3.5 billion and is expected to be completed within three years. It will feature comprehensive facilities for tourists, including a botanical garden, bird enclosures, an aviary, a cultural village, and a natural history museum. The primary objectives of the park are to provide recreational opportunities to the public, conserve wildlife and plant species, promote eco-tourism, and create green employment opportunities. It was further informed that the provincial government anticipates an annual revenue of approximately Rs 360 million from the park once operational. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
29-04-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Neglect hampers Haripur conservation
The Haripur Wildlife Division — one of the most strategically important conservation units in Hazara — is facing a crisis due to chronic staff shortages and lack of basic resources. Despite being upgraded from a sub-division to a full division in April 2021, the department remains neglected and underfunded. Covering five game reserves, two waterfowl habitats, the ecologically significant Bher area (home to goral), and the Makhniyal Protected Areadesignated a Site of Special Scientific Interest — the division plays a critical role in regional biodiversity protection. However, it is currently operating with just 11 personnel: one Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), one Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO), one deputy ranger, one head watcher, and seven watchers. Two of these watchers are posted in Khanpur and Ghazi tehsils respectively. Shockingly, seven sanctioned watcher posts remain vacant, and the division lacks even a basic security guard. Two official vehicles are out of service, leaving the department with no transport for patrolling or field inspections — severely hampering its ability to safeguard wildlife. Conservationists have voiced alarm over the situation, noting that Haripur, with the highest number of hunting grounds in Hazara, draws bird hunters year-round. The lack of operational readiness poses a direct threat to the region's delicate ecosystems. Citizens and environmental stakeholders are urging Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Special Assistant for Forests and Wildlife Pir Musawir Khan, and Secretary Shahid Zaman to take immediate action. They are calling for urgent provision of staff, vehicles, and infrastructure.
