WWF, GB Govt Sign Agreement

Gilgit -- Reinforcing efforts to tackle environmental challenges in the region, the Forest, Wildlife, Parks and Environment Department Gilgit-Baltistan and the World Wide Fund for Nature Pakistan have signed a Letter of Agreement to expand cooperation in conservation and sustainable development.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony in Gilgit by Syed Abul Waheed Shah, Secretary of the department, and Rab Nawaz, Senior Program Director WWF-Pakistan, on behalf of the Director General WWF-Pakistan.

The event was attended by senior officials, including Sheikh Inayatullah, Dr Zakir Hussain, Mehmood Ghaznavi, Ali Jabbar and Khadim Hussain, along with WWF-Pakistan representatives.

Syed Abul Waheed Shah highlighted the need for coordinated action to address emerging environmental challenges in Gilgit-Baltistan, terming the region ecologically significant. He appreciated WWF-Pakistan’s continued support and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening partnerships.

Rab Nawaz emphasized WWF-Pakistan’s resolve to work closely with the Gilgit-Baltistan government in promoting nature-based solutions, climate resilience and sustainable resource management.

For effective implementation of joint initiatives, Haider Raza and Dr Zakir Hussain have been designated as focal persons.

According to Nisar Ahmed, both sides also agreed to further formalize and expand the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding for long-term cooperation.