ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday appreciated the efforts, campaign and the role of US celebrity singer Cher in retiring Kaavan to an elephant sanctuary in Cambodia.
The prime minister expressed these views while talking to iconic singer and actress Cher, who flew all the way from called on him here.
He said it was indeed satisfying to note that after giving joy and happiness to the people of Islamabad and Pakistan for about 35 years, Kaavan – the elephant would now be able to retire with other elephants in a specialized sanctuary in Cambodia.
He invited the US singer to participate and contribute towards the government’s initiative for the expansion of protected areas, to which she kindly agreed. On the occasion, Cher applauded the prime minister for his government’s key initiatives to ensure a cleaner and greener Pakistan.
She said both the “Protected Areas Initiative” and the “10 Billion Tree Tsunami” initiative of the government were highly commendable and praiseworthy as the nature based tools for climate mitigation.
Just Came From Meeting To Thank Prime Minister Imran Kahn For Making It Possible For
Me To Take Kaavan To Cambodia. Kaavan Will Be Able To Leave For Cambodia On The 29. Think Documentary Will Be Heartwarming🙏🏻.— Cher (@cher) November 27, 2020
Cher also offered her support for furthering the green initiatives through her organization “Free the Wild” and thanked the prime minister.
Cher is in Pakistan to celebrate departure of Kaavan, dubbed the “world’s loneliest elephant,” who will leave Pakistan on Nov 29 for Combodia, after lobbying by animal rights groups and activists since 2016.
Special Assistant to PM on Climate Change and in charge of the Prime Minister’s green drive Malik Amin Aslam was also present during the meeting.
President Dr Arif Alvi and his wife also visited the Marghazar Zoo on Tuesday to bid adieu to the elephant who lost his partner in 2012.
“Thanks to Cher, but also local Pakistani activists, Kaavan’s fate made headlines around the world, and this contributed to the facilitation of his transfer,” said Martin Bauer of Four Paws International, a Vienna-based animal welfare group which led the campaign to resettle Kaavan, told the American Associated Press on Friday.
Islamabad High Court had ordered release of Kaavan on May 22.
The resettlement of the Kaavan touched the wild life lovers from across the world.
Free The Wild is in Islamabad and Kaavan is looking great! Only a matter of days now before he leaves so we’re going to try and squeeze in as much time with Kaavan time as possible: https://t.co/c9oxSv6t4e
FTW ❤️#ftw #freethewild #freekaavan #togetherforkaavan #pakistan pic.twitter.com/eIfu8QQoGH— Free The Wild (@ftwglobal) November 26, 2020