On May 23, 2024, the Wildlife Ecology Lab, Department of Forestry & Wildlife Management of The University of Haripur organized the Ranger Award Ceremony to appreciate the achievements, commitment and tireless efforts of Pakistan’s rangers in wildlife conservation. The nominees – Mr. Abdul Aziz from Balochistan Forest & Wildlife Department, Mr. Sajid Hussain from Ayubia National, WWF-Pakistan, and Mr. Khawaja Irshad from Wildlife & Fisheries Department, Azad Jammu & Kashmir – received the field kits, equipment and cash prizes. This was made possible due to support from the PeLeWG, and thanks a lot to Dr. Muhammad Kabir for organizing this wonderful event!

This event was attended by high-rank officials such as Prof. Shafiq ur Rehman (Vice Chancellor, The University of Haripur), Prof. Syed Moazzam Nizami (Chairman, Department of Forestry & Wildlife Management), Prof. Aziz Ullah (Dean, Faculty of Biological & Biomedical Sciences), Muhammad Waseem (WWF-Pakistan), Dr. Muhammad Naeem Awan (World Pheasant Association Pakistan), Iftikhar uz Zaman (Conservator, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department), and Usman Ali Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department). This greatly signified the importance of recognizing the outstanding efforts of rangers and added much credibility to the award ceremony.

The PeLeWG feels very encouraged and will do its best to support rangers and local communities throughout the Persian leopard range countries.