On World Pangolin Day, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board partnered with WWF and Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University to hold an awareness and engagement session under the Pangolin Conservation Project and the Combatting Wildlife Trafficking in Pakistan project. The event brought together conservation practitioners, students, members of the local community, and representatives from Quaid-i-Azam University to strengthen pangolin conservation efforts in the capital territory.
Officials and speakers highlighted the ecological role of pangolins and outlined ongoing protection measures in Islamabad. Nimra Zaheer, Head of Climate, Nature & Humanitarian at the British High Commission Islamabad, attended to show support for collaborative measures to tackle illegal wildlife trade. Participants stressed the need for coordinated action between government bodies, civil society and academic institutions to curb trafficking and protect habitats.
Attendees also visited rescued pangolins housed at a local rescue centre. The animals are receiving care and are expected to be released back into the wild in the coming weeks, illustrating the practical outcomes of rescue and rehabilitation work that underpins pangolin conservation in Pakistan.
The session underlined that awareness, stronger policies and collective action are essential to safeguard pangolins, the world’s most trafficked mammals, and to preserve Pakistan’s biodiversity. Universities, conservation groups and diplomatic partners reaffirmed their commitment to joint outreach, research and enforcement initiatives to sustain long-term pangolin conservation in the region.
