Winners of Wildlife Protection Awards 2025
Presented on the occasion of World Rangers Day 2025, following rangers were honoured for their outstanding courage, dedication, and sacrifice in protecting Pakistan’s wildlife and natural heritage across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Snow Leopard Award · National Level · PKR 150,000
Muhammad Ismail
Game Watcher, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, AJK
Introduction
Mr. Muhammad Ismail, a native of Gurez Valley, District Neelum, has been serving with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, AJK, since 2009. He joined the department alongside five other colleagues during a critical time when the Musk Deer National Park (MDNP) was in its early stages of establishment.
Services
Mr. Ismail has faced numerous threats and life-threatening situations due to his uncompromising stance against illegal wildlife activities. His bold actions have earned him powerful adversaries among those involved in poaching and habitat destruction. On one occasion, he was physically attacked and illegally detained by offenders; however, with departmental support, he was rescued, an FIR was registered, and the culprits were brought to justice.
Ibex Award · KHYBER PAKHTUNKHA · PKR 100,000
Israr Ullah
Deputy Ranger, Wildlife Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Introduction
Mr. Israr Ullah hails from Mastuj, District Upper Chitral, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Since his posting as Deputy Ranger in 2021, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to wildlife protection in the region.
Services
he organized a highly effective team of wildlife watchers and launched a successful raid in Wassam Gol, Yarkhoon, resulting in the arrest of an illegal ibex poacher. The culprit was prosecuted under the Wildlife and Biodiversity Act 2015 and fined PKR 300,000—marking Mr. Israr’s first major success in his new role.
Blue Sheep Award · Gilgit-Baltistan · PKR 100,000
Sher Afghan Ali
Game Inspector, Parks & Wildlife Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Introduction
Mr. Sher Afgan Ali, a dedicated conservation professional from Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan, joined the Parks and Wildlife Department in 2011. Since then, he has established himself as a committed and courageous officer, consistently going above and beyond the call of duty to protect Pakistan’s forests and wildlife.
Services
Mr Ali’s Some of most notable achievements include:The rescue of a snow leopard cub during a critical raid in Jutial, Gilgit, followed by its safe transfer to the Naltar Bala Rehabilitation Centre.The arrest of illegal markhor hunters in the Burmas Nala area.The successful recovery of falcons from poachers in Gujardas, Danyore, and further interceptions during a wildlife trafficking attempt at Parri Barrel.The seizure of illegally harvested timber through a well-coordinated anti-logging operation under his supervision.
Markhor Award · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa · PKR 100,000
Muhammad Saleem
Wildlife Watcher, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department
Introduction
Hailing from Pattan, District Lower Kohistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr. Muhammad Saleem is a recent addition to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department—but in a short span of time, he has emerged as a determined and courageous frontline defender of wildlife in the rugged terrain of the Kohistan region.
Services
Mr. Saleem apprehended a poacher in possession of an ibex trophy. He promptly issued a fine and took the trophy into official custody, ensuring legal proceedings were followed. He has since continued his active enforcement work, targeting wildlife traffickers and bird poachers operating in his jurisdiction. Though early in his career, Mr. Saleem has proven that he possesses the courage, discipline, and dedication required to safeguard Pakistan’s rich wildlife heritage. His commitment to upholding wildlife laws and maintaining proactive vigilance at the Kohistan Wildlife Check Post is a testament to his potential and passion.
Wolf Award · Gilgit Baltistan · PKR 100,000
Sakhawat Ali
Game Watcher, Parks & Wildlife Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Introduction
Mr. Sakhawat Ali, a native of Hushe, Gilgit-Baltistan, has been serving with the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Department in Central Karakoram National Park since 2009. Over the years, he has played a vital role in numerous national and international research and conservation initiatives focused on snow leopards, large carnivores, and their prey species.
Services
Once considered rare, snow leopards have now made a remarkable comeback in Hushey valley, due to services of Mr. Ali and his department, with increased sightings reported in recent years. A particularly inspiring moment came when Mr. Ali encountered a family of four snow leopards in his own village, Hushey. Using a camera he had purchased by saving three months of his salary, he managed to capture stunning footage of the elusive cats. The video quickly went viral and was picked up by both national and international media, including the BBC.
Musk Deer Award · Azad Jammu & Kashmir · PKR 100,000
Mehboob Shah
Game Watcher, Department of Wildlife ; Fisheries, AJ&K
Introduction
Mr. Mehboob Shah, a dedicated wildlife defender from Gurez Valley, District Neelum, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, has served in the Musk Deer National Park, Gurez, for the past 15 years. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated remarkable courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the region’s threatened wildlife, particularly the endangered musk deer.
Services
Mr. Shah, In one harrowing incident, after receiving information about a group of poachers operating in the Hanthi area, pursued them despite being heavily outnumbered. Tragically, he was caught and brutally assaulted by fourteen armed hunters wielding rods and axes, leaving him severely injured. He was later rescued by his fellow Wildlife Department staff and, despite his condition, walked nearly 43 kilometers on foot to seek medical treatment at Kel Hospital. In another brave operation, Mr. Shah apprehended illegal hunters in the Taobat area during heavy snowfall—seizing their weapons and initiating legal action for musk deer poaching. in 2023-24, he successfully pursued and captured a known musk deer poacher who had been evading authorities across mountainous terrain and dense forest. He also took decisive action against illegal grazers damaging snow leopard habitats, ensuring that both species and ecosystems were protected.
Brown Bear · Gilgit Baltistan · PKR 100,000
Muhammad Raza
TBTTP Watcher, Parks & Wildlife Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Introduction
Mr. Muhammad Raza, a devoted wildlife protector from Hoto, Skardu, joined the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Department as a Community Watcher in 2007. Despite the limited financial benefits and basic support available to contract employees at the time, he chose to serve purely out of his deep passion for wildlife—something reflected in his lifelong habit of caring for animals, even keeping a variety of pets at home.
Services
When Mr. Raza, started duty, the ibex population in the entire region was critically low, with only 8–10 animals recorded. Mr. Raza made it his mission to revive wildlife populations. Through consistent patrolling in 44 villages and 60 Nullah’s (Sub Village), relentless pursuit of poachers, and refusal to compromise with illegal hunters, he helped restore ecological balance to the area. Today, the ibex population in the region has surged to over 500 animals, with other species showing significant recovery as well.