Safari Club International launches Pakistan chapter to promote wildlife conservation

Safari Club International (SCI), a renowned global organization working for responsible hunting, wildlife conservation, and the sustainable use of natural resources, has formally launched its operations in Pakistan.

Lahore:Safari Club International (SCI), a renowned global organization working for responsible hunting, wildlife conservation, and the sustainable use of natural resources, has formally launched its operations in Pakistan.

Senior politician and former provincial minister Syed Samsam Bukhari has been appointed Chairman of the Safari Club International Pakistan Chapter, while Ali Shah has been named President. Renowned forestry and wildlife expert Badr Munir has been entrusted with the responsibilities of Chairman Media and Event Management.

Speaking on the occasion, Badr Munir said that the core mission of Safari Club International is the conservation of wildlife, restoration of natural habitats, and promotion of responsible hunting based on scientific principles. He explained that the organization believes effective regulation and monitoring of legal hunting can discourage poaching and help protect endangered species. Through the Pakistan Chapter, international experience and best global practices will be introduced at the local level, he added.

Badr Munir further stated that Safari Club International was established in 1972 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The organization operates across various regions of the world, working in collaboration with governments, environmental experts, and local communities to develop models that link regulated and responsible hunting with wildlife conservation and local economic development.

According to him, hunting conducted under scientific and legal frameworks helps maintain ecological balance, while the revenues generated can be utilized for environmental protection, research, and the welfare of local communities.

Currently, the Safari Club International Pakistan Chapter comprises around 60 members, including federal and provincial government officials, bureaucrats, and well-known hunters. Experts believe that the establishment of the Pakistan Chapter is likely to promote legal hunting and eco-tourism in the country, potentially boosting investment in the tourism sector and increasing financial resources for wildlife conservation.

Experts further note that Pakistan holds a prominent position globally due to its diverse geography and rare wildlife species. Effective implementation of internationally recognized policies could make this sector beneficial for both the environment and the national economy.

Safari Club International is actively operating in the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and several Asian countries. The launch of its Pakistan Chapter is being viewed internationally as a positive indication that Pakistan is capable of aligning with the global community in promoting responsible hunting, wildlife conservation, and nature-friendly tourism.