Ali was bursting with excitement. He couldn’t believe his dream had finally come true — he was standing at Deosai, the “Roof of the World.” The breathtaking landscape unfolded before him, with sparkling lakes and lush green grounds nestled near towering peaks covered in snow.

Months ago, Ali’s dad had promised him and his younger sister, Amna, a trip to Gilgit during their summer vacations. The promise was born on an evening when Ali’s dad was watching National Geographic. Ali had seen a captivating image of a cute brown bear cub on screen and asked, “Dad, what animal is this?”

“That’s a bear cub,” dad replied.

“Where is this place?” Ali asked.

“It’s the jungles of Africa, where brown bears live,” his dad explained.

Ali and Amna watched the documentary with great interest, asking questions nonstop. Amna inquired, “Dad, why don’t we have these cute bears in our city?”

Their dad was delighted by their curiosity and decided to share a story about old Karachi. “Years ago, Karachi had green fields and jungles, home to foxes, birds and beautiful butterflies.”

Amna listened intently, asking another question, “But, Dad, where did the butterflies go?”

Their dad continued, “As people cut down trees and built more buildings, the birds, butterflies and animals lost their homes. They migrated to safer places where they could raise their young.”

Ali asked, “Dad, are there safe places in Pakistan where we can see cute bears?”

“Yes, there are places like Deosai, home to brown bears,” his dad replied. “If you both do well in your exams, I’ll take you there.”

Motivated, Ali and Amna worked hard and earned good grades. They eagerly awaited their summer vacation trip.

Finally, the day arrived, and their dream came true. As they explored Deosai, Ali spotted a long-tailed marmot near their camp, digging soil with its cubs.

“Is that a bear, Dad?” Ali asked.

“No, dear, that’s a long-tailed marmot,” his dad clarified. “And remember, don’t feed them biscuits or candies; it’s harmful to their health. We shouldn’t disrupt their natural food cycle.”

Ali and Amna promised to keep the environment clean and respect the wildlife.

The next day, they spotted a brown bear. Their dad shared, “Brown bears are endangered, with only a few thousand left worldwide. We’re fortunate to have them in Pakistan. Let’s not disturb them.”

Both Ali and Amna watched the bear casually strolling. They were thrilled to see nature and wildlife in harmony. It was an experience they would never forget, and their dad ensured they understood the importance of respecting and preserving nature in all its forms — a pledge to protect the environment and its incredible creatures.

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 21st. 2024