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ISLAMABAD, Oct 23 (APP):Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Malik, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to conserving the endangered snow leopard, describing the elusive big cat as the “Ghost of the Mountains” and a symbol of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems.
The minister, on the occasion of International Snow Leopard Day, observed worldwide on October 23, highlighted the critical role of the species maintaining the ecological balance of high-altitude habitats.
“Fewer than a few thousand snow leopards remain worldwide, of which around 220 live in Pakistan,” Dr Malik said. “These majestic creatures are vital to safeguarding the natural heritage of our mountains and ensuring healthy ecosystems.”
He noted that Pakistan has been actively pursuing habitat protection, scientific monitoring, and community-led conservation programmes to ensure the species continues to thrive in the wild.
Dr Malik stressed that more needs to be done. “We are fully aware of the challenges ahead and remain dedicated to strengthening our conservation efforts. Protecting the snow leopard also means protecting our mountains, rivers and the communities that depend on them,” he said.