Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sunday, said that Pakistan was blessed with extraordinary biodiversity and some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife and stressed that protecting this natural heritage is a shared responsibility.
Addressing Safari Club International, Pakistan Chapter’s international conservation fundraiser gala dinner, he said their experience had shown that conservation succeeded when the parliament, government, local communities, hunters, hunting outfitters and conservation organisations worked together.
“Ethical and responsible hunting, when conducted lawfully and sustainably, can contribute to wildlife conservation by generating meaningful benefits for communities living alongside wildlife,” he added.
In order to make a real difference on the ground, Gilani emphasized that a legislative and policy framework must take into consideration 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 added. At the same time, the acting president opined that it was imperative to recognise the legitimate role of responsible hunters who respect the law, uphold ethical hunting standards and contribute towards conservation and community development.
Their rights must go hand in hand with their responsibilities to wildlife and future generations, he said, adding that they should also recognise licensed hunting outfitters as important stakeholders because, they provided a vital link between hunters, wildlife authorities and local communities and their field experience could contribute positively to sustainable hunting and wildlife management. The event was attended by Syed Sumsam Bukhari, former federal and provincial minister and Chairman Safari Club International, Pakistan Chapter, former ministers, international delegates, members of representatives of the SCI and its Pakistan chapter and representatives of the federal and provincial wildlife authorities.
The acting president also 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 them opportunities to benefit from the international experience while also sharing the knowledge and expertise that Pakistan had developed across its diverse and ecological region.
He 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 added.
Gilani stressed that the federal and provincial institutions must work together and the voices of communities, wildlife professionals, hunters, hunting outfitters and other legitimate stakeholders should be heard when policies affecting them were developed.
