Islamabad, 06 September 2026(Nosheen): Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has emphasized the need for mutual cooperation for wildlife conservation, the development of local communities and a shared future, saying that wildlife conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and the development of local communities can mutually reinforce each other.
He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony organized by Safari Club International (SCI) here. The event was attended by Chairman Safari Club International Pakistan Chapter Syed Samsam Ali Bukhari, former Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira, former Federal Minister for Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam, President’s Spokesperson Murtaza Solangi and international delegates. The Acting President said that it was a pleasure for him to participate in the International Conservation Gala 2026. He appreciated the efforts of the Safari Club International Pakistan Chapter, saying that it had brought together national and international personalities committed to wildlife conservation, awareness, hunters’ rights and responsible hunting. He said such platforms provide an opportunity to benefit from international experiences while also sharing Pakistan’s knowledge and experiences gained across its diverse ecological regions with the world.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said Pakistan was blessed with rich biodiversity and some of the world’s unique and remarkable wildlife species, including the markhor, ibex, urial and blue sheep. He stressed that protecting this natural heritage was a shared responsibility. He said Pakistan’s experience had demonstrated that wildlife conservation efforts were successful when Parliament, the government, local communities, hunters, hunting outfitters and wildlife conservation organizations worked together. The Acting President said that ethical and responsible hunting, when conducted in accordance with the law and on a sustainable basis, could contribute to wildlife conservation while also generating significant benefits for local communities living alongside wildlife. He emphasized that for meaningful change at the grassroots level, the views and experiences of local communities, wildlife experts, hunters, hunting outfitters and other legitimate stakeholders must be incorporated into the country’s legislative and policy frameworks. He said all stakeholders needed to work in close coordination and mutual understanding to ensure that responsible hunting remained aligned with the requirements of biodiversity and wildlife conservation. He also stressed the importance of recognizing the legitimate role of responsible hunters who respected the law, adhered to ethical hunting principles and contributed to wildlife conservation and the development of local communities.
The Acting President said their rights should go hand in hand with their responsibilities towards wildlife and future generations. He added that licensed hunting outfitters should also be recognized as important stakeholders, as they played a vital role in connecting hunters, wildlife authorities and local communities. Their practical experience, he said, could make a positive contribution to sustainable hunting and effective wildlife management. He said organizations such as Safari Club International had an important role to play in wildlife conservation, wildlife management, education and the promotion of international cooperation, while also representing responsible hunters around the world. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said Pakistan was an international example of how wildlife conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and development of local communities could reinforce one another. He emphasized that policies needed to be transparent, consistent and practical to make these efforts more effective. The Acting President said federal and provincial institutions should work together, adding that the voices of local communities, wildlife experts, hunters, hunting outfitters and other legitimate stakeholders must also be heard while formulating policies. Wildlife conservation, he said, could not succeed through laws and regulations alone. He said conservation succeeded when people had a clear reason and incentive to protect wildlife. He added that there were extensive opportunities for learning from one another in areas including wildlife management, habitat protection, financing for wildlife conservation and the use of technology.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said the goal should remain clear: healthy wildlife populations, strong local communities, responsible and ethical hunting, effective laws and the protection of Pakistan’s natural heritage for future generations. Welcoming international guests visiting Pakistan, he expressed the hope that the discussions and interactions during the gathering would contribute to stronger cooperation and tangible progress in the years ahead. Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Safari Club International Pakistan Chapter Syed Samsam Ali Bukhari said that the Pakistan Chapter of Safari Club International was playing an active role in promoting wildlife conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and responsible hunting. He said the SCI Pakistan Chapter was also promoting cooperation and engagement at national and international levels with wildlife experts, relevant government institutions and organizations working for environmental protection, with the aim of strengthening effective measures for wildlife conservation and sustainable management of natural resources in Pakistan’s diverse ecosystems.