ISLAMABAD: World Snow Leopard Day was marked on Friday with an exhibition highlighting decades of conservation efforts to protect endangered species and promote coexistence between wildlife and mountain communities.

Titled ‘The Mountains We Share: People, Snow Leopards and Stories of Coexistence’, the exhibition brought together government officials, diplomats, conservationists and other stakeholders to review progress in protecting the elusive big cat and discuss the challenges threatening its survival.

Through photographs, personal accounts and an illustrated timeline, the exhibition traced the evolution of snow leopard conservation in Pakistan, from early field observations and pioneering research to satellite tracking, community-led initiatives and the use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, in wildlife protection.

It highlighted the growing recognition that conserving snow leopards required an approach extending beyond protecting the species itself.

The event featured addresses by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, WWF International President Dr Adil Najam, WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan and Dr Moin Uddin, corporate director of human resources and organisational development at Tourism Promotion Services/Serena Hotels.

Perspectives from mountain communities and wildlife photographers were also presented, while stories written by children offered imaginative accounts of the world from a snow leopard’s perspective.

Pakistan is among the 12 countries that provide habitat for the snow leopard, making its conservation an important part of international efforts to protect biodiversity and fragile mountain ecosystems.

The exhibition emphasised the role of scientific research, community participation and cooperation between public and private institutions in sustaining conservation gains. It also highlighted the need to protect habitats on which both local communities and wildlife depend.

Call for stronger conservation efforts

Experts stressed the need for international cooperation, habitat protection and climate action to safeguard rare species.

An event was organised by The Snow Leopard Foundation Pakistan at Fast University, in collaboration with the climate change ministry.

Students presented e-posters highlighting environmental and wildlife challenges, particularly in mountainous areas.

A short film was also screened, focusing on threats to snow leopards and Pakistan’s role in their protection.

Amir Mohiyuddin, additional secretary at the ministry, said Pakistan is committed to protecting its natural heritage and biodiversity.

Kyrgyz Charge d’Affaires Aibek Tilebaliev said Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic were united in their commitment to their mountain heritage, adding that environmental protection must go hand in hand with the welfare of mountain communities.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2026