Peshawar (Naimat Ullah): The Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Forestry, Wildlife, Environment, and Climate Change, Pir Musawir Khan, announced that the provincial government is committed to wildlife conservation and providing recreational opportunities for the public. He highlighted that Peshawar Zoo serves not only as a leisure destination but also as a research hub for university students.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed auditorium and fish aquarium at Peshawar Zoo on Thursday, Pir Musawir Khan emphasized the government’s efforts to enhance public facilities. Chief Conservator of Wildlife Mohsin Farooq, Zoo Director Muhammad Niaz, and media representatives were also present.
During the event, it was revealed that the construction of the auditorium cost approximately Rs 15 million and can accommodate 150 people. The facility aims to host seminars and events to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and provide research opportunities for university students.
The fish aquarium, built at a cost of around Rs 35 million, includes eight tanks housing 28 species of fish. The special assistant instructed officials to maintain cleanliness in the tanks to ensure the well-being of the aquatic species.
Addressing the media, Pir Musawir Khan stated that the new facilities are a gift to the people of Peshawar for the new year, made possible by the Chief Minister’s special interest in zoo development. Responding to questions, he shared that four trophy hunting licenses were issued in 2024, generating revenue of approximately $925,000. Of this, 80% is allocated for the welfare of local communities, while 20% is deposited into the provincial treasury.
On the conservation of Markhor, he highlighted the success of provincial initiatives, which have increased the population to over 6,000.
Pir Musawir Khan also addressed climate change and pollution, describing them as national challenges that require joint efforts from the government and the public. He identified vehicular emissions as a significant contributor to pollution and mentioned the introduction of zigzag technology for brick kilns, which has shown promising results in reducing environmental damage.
He appealed to the public to actively participate in tree plantation drives to combat the effects of climate change and make the country greener. Additionally, he assured that relevant authorities have been instructed to enforce environmental laws effectively to control pollution.
