ISLAMABAD, May 11, 2025: With nearly 70% of Pakistan’s 668 bird species migrating seasonally, the country serves as a vital link along major migratory flyways.
On World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2025, observed on May 10, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination highlighted Pakistan’s crucial role in global conservation efforts.
Ministry spokesperson Muhammad Saleem Shaikh noted that this year’s theme, “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,” stressed the importance of transforming urban areas into safe habitats for migratory birds.
“These birds are not only vital for pest control, pollination, and ecosystem balance but also act as early warning indicators of environmental change,” he said.
Pakistan, a signatory to the UN Convention on Migratory Species, is taking active measures to protect birds from increasing threats, including habitat loss, rapid urbanisation, light pollution, and illegal hunting. The ministry is advocating for bird-safe infrastructure, wetland conservation, and public awareness campaigns to encourage responsible urban development.
Shaikh called for collaboration among policymakers, conservationists, civil society, educators, and the media to ensure long-term solutions. “Protecting migratory birds is about more than wildlife – it’s about preserving ecological integrity and building a sustainable future,” he added.
Events and educational initiatives were held across the country to mark WMBD 2025, serving as a reminder that every action – no matter how small – can contribute to safeguarding these shared skies.