New wildlife offices to strengthen conservation efforts in Kurram

New wildlife offices to strengthen conservation efforts in Kurram

PARACHINAR : The Kurram district administration has launched work on new Wildlife Department offices as part of efforts to strengthen wildlife conservation, improve field operations and protect the district’s natural resources.

Deputy Commissioner Kurram Fahad Wazir, District Forest Officer (DFO) Wildlife Syed Ghayoor Ali Shah and Assistant Commissioner Upper Kurram Khalid Imran jointly inaugurated the construction work near Government Degree College No. 2 on Shalozan Road.

The project comes under the Wildlife Component of the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP), which aims to improve institutional infrastructure and strengthen government departments in the newly merged districts. Authorities have also completed the acquisition process for 12 kanals of land for the project.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, DFO Wildlife Syed Ghayoor Ali Shah said the new offices would provide the department with a permanent operational base and help improve its administrative and field activities. He said the facility would also make it easier for the department to provide wildlife-related services to local communities and respond more effectively to conservation needs.

He said the Wildlife Department had an expanding role in the newly merged districts and would take further steps to protect forests, wildlife habitats and other natural resources in Kurram.

According to the DFO, Kurram holds considerable importance because of its diverse ecosystem and rich wildlife. The district provides suitable habitats for carnivores, Himalayan ibex, different species of partridges and pheasants, migratory birds and other wildlife.

He also highlighted the potential of local water bodies, particularly Munda Dam and Malik Khel Dam, for migratory waterfowl. He said systematic surveys and monitoring of migratory birds during the migration season could help authorities better understand bird populations and protect important habitats.

The DFO said the department would also explore opportunities to promote nature-based tourism in the district while ensuring that conservation remained a central priority.

He said the department planned to work on the development and improvement of protected areas, community game reserves and important wildlife and bird habitats. Wildlife surveys and scientific monitoring would also receive greater attention, while local communities would be encouraged to participate in conservation activities.

Syed Ghayoor Ali Shah further said authorities would examine the feasibility of introducing trophy hunting programmes in accordance with applicable laws, rules and scientific guidelines. He said any such programme would focus on sustainable wildlife management and could create legitimate economic opportunities for local communities while supporting conservation efforts.

Deputy Commissioner Fahad Wazir stressed the importance of protecting Kurram’s wildlife and natural resources. He called for effective measures to prevent illegal hunting and ensure enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

Fahad Wazir said the district administration would continue to cooperate with the Wildlife Department in conservation initiatives, sustainable management of natural resources and environmental protection.

The DFO thanked Chief Conservator Wildlife Dr Mohsin Farooq, the AIP Project Director, Conservator Wildlife Southern Circle Bannu and Deputy Commissioner Kurram Fahad Wazir for their support in securing the land and moving forward with the infrastructure project.

Officials said the establishment of the new offices would provide a stronger institutional foundation for wildlife management in Kurram and support long-term efforts to conserve the district’s biodiversity and natural habitats.