Chitral – February 21, 2025: A crucial three-day training on the disruption of poaching and wildlife crime scene investigation successfully concluded on February 20, 2025, in Chitral. Organized by the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department, the training took place from February 18 to 20, 2025.

This specialized training equipped twelve officers and field staff from the KP Wildlife Department with essential skills to enhance their capabilities in wildlife crime prevention and first response. The initiative was funded by the UK Government through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF) under the Biodiversity Challenge Funds.

The comprehensive training program featured both theoretical sessions and hands-on practical exercises. Participants from Chitral’s Wildlife Division received instruction from expert Master Trainers, focusing on strengthening their capacity to handle poaching cases, investigate wildlife crime scenes, and respond effectively to wildlife emergencies. The program ensured that conservation efforts align with international standards.

The closing ceremony, held on February 20, 2025, was attended by prominent figures, including Mr. Rizwan Ullah Yousufzai, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Chitral Gol National Park; Mr. Farooq Nabi, DFO Wildlife Division Chitral; Mr. Ajaz Ahmad, Deputy Director of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Chitral; Mr. Akhtar from the Fisheries Department Chitral; and representatives from the Chitral Press Club.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Jamiullah Sherazi, Manager of SLF Chitral, welcomed the participants and expressed gratitude for their active involvement. He also highlighted the long-standing collaboration between SLF and the Wildlife Department in Chitral, emphasizing various initiatives undertaken to promote wildlife conservation.

Dr. Shoaib Hameed, Senior Program Manager and Master Trainer, briefed participants on the key topics covered during the training. He underscored the importance of a structured approach to crime scene investigation, particularly in cases involving wildlife, to ensure evidence is collected in a scientifically sound manner admissible in court.

Participants Mr. Ejaz Ur Rehman and Syed Musaddiq Ali Shah shared their positive feedback, expressing appreciation for the practical techniques and critical insights gained. They acknowledged the training’s role in enhancing their ability to investigate wildlife-related crimes effectively.

Commending SLF’s efforts, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad, Deputy Director of NTFP Chitral, emphasized the training’s significance in building the department’s capacity to combat poaching. He noted that the skills acquired would help in apprehending culprits through the collection of solid evidence in accordance with international best practices.

Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Farooq Nabi, DFO Wildlife Division Chitral, and Mr. Rizwan Ullah Yousufzai, DFO Chitral Gol National Park, expressed their gratitude to SLF for arranging this valuable training. They stressed the importance of continued training for wildlife staff and assured their full cooperation and support for future programs.

The training concluded with the distribution of certificates and field kits to the trainees. Additionally, in recognition of the training’s importance, two sets of Crime Scene Investigation kits were provided to the Chitral Gol National Park (CGNP) and Wildlife Division Chitral offices, enhancing their operational capabilities in the field.

This initiative builds upon previous training efforts, including the training of seven officials from the Wildlife Departments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, and WWF-Pakistan, held in Islamabad from April 17 to 19, 2024. Furthermore, an online refresher session was conducted on October 24, 2024. These master trainers have since trained more than 50 selected rangers and guards from KP, GB, and AJK, ensuring that wildlife staff across the snow leopard range are better equipped to handle wildlife crime investigations.

The training in Chitral is part of a broader initiative by SLF and its partners to strengthen wildlife protection and conservation efforts. By tackling poaching and other wildlife crimes through capacity building and providing essential tools for wildlife enforcement, this initiative aims to safeguard Pakistan’s rich biodiversity for future generations.