New York: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, emphasized the significance of the Markhor as a national symbol of resilience and majesty, during a side-event at the United Nations Headquarters. The event, co-hosted by the Permanent Missions of Pakistan and Tajikistan along with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), marked the International Day of the Markhor.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ahmad highlighted that the Markhor, native to high mountain regions in Pakistan including Chitral, Kohistan, Kalam, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, is not merely a conservation subject but a source of national pride. He noted the successful recovery of the Markhor population over the past decade, attributing the increase to proactive conservation efforts, community involvement, and political commitment.

However, Ahmad warned of the serious threats posed by climate change to the Markhor’s habitat, including shifting treelines, rainfall shortages, and rising temperatures affecting oak forests, a crucial food source. These environmental changes expose the animal to diseases and vegetation loss. He also pointed out that illegal hunting remains a challenge despite progress against poaching.

Ahmad reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to collaborating with international partners for the protection of the species and called for enhanced global cooperation to tackle emerging threats, ensuring the survival of the Markhor.