On the occasion of World Ranger Day 2026, observed on 31 July, seven awards and a Community Excellence Award were presented to honour individuals and communities for their outstanding courage, dedication, and sacrifice in protecting Pakistan’s wildlife and natural heritage. The awards recognised exceptional contributions from across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting the vital role of rangers and local communities in conserving wildlife and safeguarding some of Pakistan’s most important natural landscapes.
Snow Leopard Award · National Level · PKR 150,000
Gulbaz Khan
Deputy Ranger, Kohistan Wildlife Division, KP Wildlife Department.
Introduction
Mr. GulBaz Khan is a dedicated wildlife conservation professional who joined the KP Wildlife Department in 2005 as a Wildlife Watcher in Pattan Range, Kohistan. He was promoted to Deputy Ranger in 2019. He has served in Pattan, Dassu and Pallas wildlife sub-divisions and is currently posted at Chakai Wildlife Check Post.
Services
Mr. Khan has participated in flora and fauna surveys, biodiversity and species abundance assessments, and documented species including the grey goral, black bear and pheasants through photography and video recording. In 2025–26, Mr. Khan intercepted the illegal transportation of a snow leopard skin, preventing its entry into the wildlife trafficking network. He initiated legal proceedings against the offenders under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity Act, 2015, demonstrating effective field enforcement and commitment to wildlife crime prevention.
Ibex Award · Gilgit Baltistan · PKR 100,000
Pervaiz Iqbal
Wildlife Chowkidar, Parks & Wildlife Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Introduction
Mr. Pervaiz Iqbal is a dedicated wildlife protection professional from Hunza, who has served with commitment in protecting the region’s unique mountain wildlife. Through years of field patrolling, anti-poaching operations, and wildlife rescue efforts, he has demonstrated courage, vigilance, and a strong commitment to conservation.
Services
Mr. Iqbal apprehended the poacher and successfully recovered the hunted meat, trophy, and illegal weapons. The case resulted in fines amounting to PKR 1,350,000 and a one-year imprisonment, ensuring that the offenders were dealt with under wildlife protection laws. His contribution to snow leopard conservation is equally noteworthy. In 2007, Mr. Iqbal cared for a rescued snow leopard for 13 months before it was transferred from Hunza. In 2012, he rescued another snow leopard from the Khunjerab River and helped secure it in a protective enclosure. He continued monitoring and caring for the animal for four years in his capacity as a wildlife watcher until it was transferred to the Naltar Rehabilitation Centre in 2017. Beyond wildlife protection, Mr. Iqbal has also strengthened his field enforcement skills through specialized training. He received the “Best in Fire” award during four months of training in arms and ammunition handling at the Police Training College, Gilgit.
Musk Deer Award ·Azad Jammu & Kashmir · PKR 100,000
Muhammad Younus Hasrat
Game watcher, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Introduction
Mr. M. Younas Hasrat joined the Fisheries and Wildlife Department of Azad Jammu & Kashmir in 2013 and has dedicated more than a decade to protecting wildlife in the region’s remote mountain landscapes. His field service has focused particularly on the conservation of the endangered Kashmir musk deer and its critical habitat.
Services
Mr. Hasrat has conducted regular anti-poaching patrols across challenging mountainous areas, helping protect Kashmir musk deer and other native wildlife from illegal hunting. During 2024–2025, he initiated legal action in 17 cases involving illegal hunting and unauthorized grazing, strengthening enforcement of wildlife protection laws. He has also played an important role in protecting critical musk deer habitat by preventing illegal grazing and supporting the effective management of Musk Deer National Park. Through persistent field patrols, law enforcement, and habitat protection, Mr. Hasrat has made a valuable contribution to the conservation of Kashmir musk deer and AJK’s mountain biodiversity.
Markhor Award · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa · PKR 100,000
Nasir Ahmad
Head Wildlife Watcher, Wildlife Department, Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Introduction
Mr. Nasir Ahmad has dedicated nearly two decades to wildlife protection since joining in 2006. He served across the Toshi Shasha Game Reserve and other key conservation areas, including Garam Chashma and Arkari blocks. He was appointed Honorary Deputy Ranger in 2017 and promoted to Head Wildlife Watcher in December 2025.
Services
Mr. Ahmad, In December 2010, apprehended two offenders during a checkpoint operation and recovered an illegal firearm and hunted markhor. In 2016, after an illegal hunter fled following a markhor hunt, he raided the suspect’s residence, and recovered the firearm. He also carried out several other successful arrests and prosecutions of illegal hunters. In April 2014, he was attacked by eight individuals during the performance of his duties, suffering a fracture to his left arm. Despite this, he continued his wildlife protection efforts. On 31 December 2025, acting on information from reliable sources, Mr. Ahmad recovered three firearms and the skin of a hunted markhor and initiated legal proceedings under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity Act, 2015. Mr. Ahmad has also contributed to snow leopard conservation. In March 2021, he rescued an injured snow leopard and facilitated its safe transfer to the Peshawar Wildlife Zoo.
Himalayan Lynx Award · Gilgit Baltistan · PKR 100,000
Fida Hussain
Game Inspector, Parks & Wildlife Department, Gilgit Baltistan
Introduction
Mr. Fida Hussain, a native of Shigar valley, Gilgit Baltistan, joined the Parks & Wildlife Department in 2012 and has served continuously in Skardu and Shigar. Over the years, he has played an active role in wildlife protection, community-based conservation, and safeguarding the fragile mountain ecosystems of Baltistan.
Services
Mr. Hussain has contributed to the protection of snow leopards through regular patrolling, anti-poaching operations, and close engagement with local communities to safeguard critical wildlife habitats. In Shigar, he helped establish a community-controlled trophy hunting programme, promoting sustainable wildlife management while creating economic incentives for local communities to support conservation. He has also contributed to environmental protection in the high-altitude K2–Baltoro region, leading efforts that resulted in the removal of more than 26,000 kilograms of waste, helping preserve one of Pakistan’s most iconic and fragile mountain ecosystems. Through wildlife protection, community engagement, sustainable conservation initiatives, and environmental stewardship, Mr. Hussain has made a valuable contribution to conservation across Skardu and Shigar.
Black Bear Award · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa · PKR 100,000
Sir Zahab
Game Watcher,Upper Kohistan, KP Wildlife Department.
Introduction
Mr. Sir Zahab, Holding an MA in Education, joined the department in 2012 and has since remained actively engaged in wildlife protection and law enforcement across Upper and Lower Kohistan. His first wildlife challan, in 2012 soon after his joining, involved the illegal poaching of a Monal pheasant, marking the beginning of his sustained efforts against wildlife crimes in the region.
Services
Mr. Zahab has demonstrated strong commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade and protecting vulnerable species in the mountainous areas of Kohistan. One of his notable achievements was intercepting the illegal transportation of two black bear cubs, preventing their trafficking and ensuring their recovery before they could reach the illegal wildlife market. Following the interception, Mr. Zahab initiated legal proceedings against the offenders under the KP Wildlife and Biodiversity Act, 2015, resulting in a fine of PKR 150,000. His timely action ensured accountability while reinforcing the enforcement of wildlife protection laws. Since joining the department, Mr. Zahab has consistently performed his duties across Upper and Lower Kohistan, contributing to efforts against illegal hunting, wildlife trafficking, and other wildlife crimes. His vigilance, field presence, and commitment to law enforcement have helped strengthen the protection of Pakistan’s biodiversity and deter illegal wildlife activities.
Urial Award · Gilgit Baltistan · PKR 100,000
Sajjad Hussain
Game Watcher, Parks & Wildlife Department, Gilgit Baltistan
Introduction
Mr. Sajjad Hussain joined the Wildlife Department in 2003 as a contingent employee and was initially posted in Bunji, District Astore. He became a permanent Wildlife Chowkidar in 2007 and was transferred to Gilgit, where he served in Haramosh and Sasi areas. In 2009, he was promoted appointed in charge of the Haramosh area, where he continues to serve.
Services
Mr. Hussain has made a sustained contribution to the conservation of the Himalayan markhor through community-based protection and enforcement. In Haramosh, he brought local residents together to raise awareness about the value of markhor and supported the formation of a community conservation committee. With community and Wildlife Department support, markhor numbers increased significantly in an area previously affected by illegal hunting. He has also conducted numerous anti-poaching operations and wildlife rescues. He recovered illegally captured markhor and wolf cubs and initiated legal action against those responsible. In 2025, he successfully apprehended two markhor poachers who had escaped community members, recovering the hunted animal and presenting the offenders before the Wildlife Court, which sentenced them to imprisonment. In 2026, Mr. Hussain confronted and apprehended two armed markhor poachers single-handedly, recovering markhor meat, skin, a rifle, and hunting equipment. The offenders were subsequently convicted and imprisoned.
Ashiq-Ahmad-Khan-community-based-excellence-award · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa · PKR 100,000
Rehmat Karim Baig
President, Valley Conservation and Development Organization (VCDO), Zondrangram Valley, Upper Chitral,.
Introduction
Professor Karim Baig is a community conservation leader whose more than two decades of dedication have helped transform Terich Valley into a thriving conservation landscape. At a time when wildlife faced severe pressure and conservation efforts met strong resistance, he remained committed to protecting the valley’s snow leopard and Himalayan ibex while building local support for conservation.
Services
Through education, community mobilization, and persistent advocacy, Professor Baig inspired generations to recognize the ecological and economic value of wildlife. Despite threats and opposition, he worked to unite communities around conservation and sustainable natural resource management. His sustained efforts contributed to the establishment of the Terich-Torkhow Conservancy, creating a stronger foundation for wildlife protection and community-led conservation. Today, the valley’s flourishing wildlife, empowered communities, and growing ecotourism reflect the long-term impact of his vision and leadership. In recognition of this extraordinary contribution to community-based conservation, the Valley Conservation and Development Organization (VCDO), Zondrangram Valley, Upper Chitral, has been honored with the Ashiq Ahmad Khan Community-based Conservation Excellence Award.