PM lauds iconic singer Cher for efforts in retiring Kaavan to elephant sanctuary

Iconic American singer Cher called on Prime Minister Imran Khan. Malik Amin Aslam, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Climate Change also present in the meeting
Iconic American singer Cher called on Prime Minister Imran Khan. Malik Amin Aslam, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Climate Change also present in the meeting. APP

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.

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.

APP Services