Bashir Hussain Azad | Chitral Today
CHITRAL, Oct 25, 2025: The Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) Chitral, in collaboration with the Wildlife Division Chitral and Chitral Gol National Park, celebrated International Snow Leopard Day 2025 by organizing a series of awareness sessions and educational programs in Lower and Upper Chitral.
The foundation aimed to inspire students and local communities to protect the endangered snow leopard and to strengthen their connection with nature and wildlife conservation.
The snow leopard, often called the “ghost of the mountains,” serves as a symbol of balance and resilience in the high-altitude ecosystems of the Hindukush and Himalayas. By protecting this elusive predator, conservationists also safeguard the health of entire mountain environments and the communities that depend on them.
Through these events, SLF highlighted the urgent need to preserve the species from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
SLF held the first event at Ideal Public School, Kohuzi (Lower Chitral), where students, teachers and community members participated in large numbers.
Farooq Nabi, Divisional Forest Officer of the Wildlife Division Chitral, opened the session by outlining the government’s initiatives for wildlife protection. He stressed that the snow leopard acts as a key indicator of ecological balance.
“When we protect the snow leopard, we protect our mountains, our forests, and our future,” he said, urging participants to take pride in their role as guardians of nature.
Jamiullah Shirazi, Regional Program Manager SLF Chitral, delivered a detailed presentation on the origins, objectives, and global significance of International Snow Leopard Day. He told the students that the snow leopard is more than a species; it represents the beauty, strength, and diversity of mountain life.
“Every effort to protect this magnificent cat is an effort to protect our planet’s balance,” he added.
Students energized the event by delivering speeches on snow leopard conservation and performing action tableaux and short plays. Their performances highlighted the threats facing the species and promoted messages of environmental responsibility, coexistence, and respect for nature.
At the end of the program, the school administration thanked SLF and the Wildlife Division for bringing the celebration to Ideal Public School Kohuzi and for giving students a valuable opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation.
SLF and its partners held the second event at Government High School, Sor Laspur (Upper Chitral), in collaboration with Chitral Gol National Park, which shelters a significant population of snow leopards.
Anwar Maqsood, Research Officer at SLF, explained the international efforts to protect the species across its range countries. He emphasized that Pakistan’s northern mountain ecosystems, especially those in Chitral and Laspur, form vital habitats for the snow leopard. “Our mountains will remain alive and balanced only if this majestic cat continues to roam them,” he said.
Saifullah Jan elaborated on the snow leopard’s ecological importance, describing it as a top predator that maintains prey balance and ecosystem health. He detailed SLF’s ongoing work in community engagement, research, and protection projects that help secure the species’ future in Chitral’s rugged terrain.
Maulana Saifur Rahman added an Islamic perspective to the discussion, reminding participants that Islam encourages harmony with nature and compassion toward all creatures. He said that protecting wildlife, including the snow leopard, fulfills a moral and spiritual responsibility toward God’s creation.
Jamaati Khan, representative of the Snow Leopard Conservation Organization (SLCO) Sor Laspur, appreciated SLF’s decade-long partnership with local conservation groups. He noted that SLF’s support has empowered mountain communities to take ownership of wildlife protection efforts.
Mirza Hussain, representing Government High School Sor Laspur, praised the event organizers for inspiring students to value their environment and play an active role in conservation. “Such programs nurture respect for nature and pride in our mountain heritage,” he said.
At the conclusion of the events, SLF and the Wildlife Division distributed prizes among active students and participants to recognize their creativity and commitment to protecting the snow leopard and other wildlife.