BY: Hurish Shah FT
ISLAMABAD — National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has called for a balanced and sustainable approach to wildlife conservation, stressing the protection of natural habitats, responsible use of resources, scientific breeding and community participation.
Addressing a gala dinner organised by Safari Club International (SCI) Pakistan in Islamabad, Ayaz Sadiq said Pakistan’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage could only be preserved through concerted conservation efforts.
The Speaker expressed concern over environmental degradation, melting glaciers and the recurring loss of lives and infrastructure due to floods. He highlighted the importance of green energy and noted that Pakistan’s Parliament became the world’s first Green Parliament in 2015.
He also spoke about a rainwater-harvesting initiative at Parliament House and said efforts were being considered for a National Assembly resolution to discourage unnecessary tree cutting and promote water conservation facilities in newly constructed houses.
Ayaz Sadiq called for stronger measures against poaching and stressed that wildlife management should increasingly rely on scientifically managed breeding and conservation programmes.
He said protecting markhors and other wildlife was essential for ecological balance, preserving Pakistan’s natural heritage and strengthening the country’s international image.
The Speaker invited international SCI members to visit Pakistan’s northern areas, glaciers and the mountains of Balochistan. He also presented an award to Saazgar Engineering Works Limited Founder and CEO Mian Asad Hameed, while Federal Minister for Defence Production Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj presented awards to SCI members, conservationists and other stakeholders.
