Islamabad, On the occasion of the International Day of the Markhor, Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani delivered a message celebrating the successful conservation efforts that have enabled the recovery of Pakistan’s national animal from near extinction.
According to Press Information Department, President Gillani highlighted the Markhor as a symbol of Pakistan’s commitment to environmental stewardship and biodiversity. He praised the United Nations for recognizing May 24th as a day to emphasize the importance of the Markhor, reflecting on the species’ journey from vulnerability to a symbol of conservation success. The celebration, he noted, is not only about the survival of the Markhor but also about the power of resilience and collective action, involving government, local communities, and international partners.
The president also underscored Pakistan’s recent elevation to Category I status under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a testament to the country’s rigorous legislative and enforcement measures in wildlife conservation. He called for a renewed commitment to protect wildlife and natural habitats, ensuring the Markhor and other species continue to thrive in Pakistan’s ecosystems.