MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with five universities on Monday to advance AJK wildlife management. The agreements aim to integrate academic research into policy for better conservation. Officials hailed the step as key to sustainable biodiversity.
The event took place at the Kashmir Institute of Management in Muzaffarabad. AJK Wildlife and Fisheries Department Secretary Amir Mahmood Mirza represented the government. University vice chancellors and deans attended. The pacts focus on wildlife biology, ecology, and habitat restoration.
Wildlife Conservation Azad Kashmir Takes Research Leap
AJK wildlife management faces pressures from habitat loss and human encroachment. These MoUs mark a shift towards evidence-based approaches. The department will collaborate on studies to refine policies and monitoring.
Minister for Forests, Fisheries, and Wildlife Sardar Javed Ayoub addressed the gathering. He said the partnership ushers in a new era of research-anchored decisions. “This is not just an agreement but the start of a new chapter in wildlife conservation Azad Kashmir,” Ayoub stated in a post-event message. He stressed linking modern education with practical fields to protect natural resources.
Secretary Mirza echoed the sentiment. “We hope this institutional linkage will enhance the long-term sustainability of AJK’s biodiversity by combining administrative experience with academic innovation,” he noted. The MoUs cover joint projects in conservation, sustainable use, and environmental awareness.
The five universities involved include the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) Muzaffarabad, Women University Bagh, Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), University of Kotli, and University of Poonch Rawalakot. Each signed for specific expertise in zoology and ecology.
UAJK Vice Chancellor Dr Nuzhat Shafi signed for her institution. Women University Bagh’s Dr Abul Hassan Faiz, MUST’s Dr Usman Ali, University of Kotli’s Dr Amjad Hussain, and University of Poonch’s Dr Fozia Aziz represented their universities. The pacts formalise academic cooperation to generate data for governance.
Pakistan Wildlife Universities Step Up for AJK
Pakistan wildlife universities play a growing role in national conservation. These AJK institutions bring local knowledge to AJK wildlife management. UAJK’s zoology department leads in Himalayan species studies. MUST focuses on tech-driven ecology.
The MoUs align with broader efforts. The Wildlife and Fisheries Department manages 12 wildlife parks, 37 sanctuaries, and 24 game reserves across AJK. Three zoos support captive breeding of species like urial and pheasants. Successful programmes have replenished stocks through community-based organisations. Data gaps persist, but officials cite overgrazing and deforestation as threats. The collaborations target habitat restoration and policy refinement.
Additional Chief Secretary Tahiruddin Qureshi attended. He praised the initiative for youth empowerment through research. Deputy Director Naeem Dar oversaw proceedings. Attendees included department heads and university experts. This move addresses key challenges in wildlife conservation Azad Kashmir. AJK spans diverse ecosystems, home to markhor, snow leopards, and pheasants. Population growth strains resources. Research will inform sustainable plans.
In South Asia, such partnerships matter. The Himalayas host global biodiversity hotspots. AJK’s efforts counter climate impacts and illegal trade. They support regional goals under conventions like CITES. Pakistan ranks high in endangered species, making university ties vital.
AJK Biodiversity MoU Details and Impact
The AJK biodiversity MoU emphasises practical outcomes. Universities will aid in monitoring and data collection. Joint studies cover ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable resource use. This bridges policy gaps.
One focus is evidence-based decision-making. Departmental plans will draw from university findings. Training programmes for staff are planned. Students gain field experience in AJK wildlife management. Officials highlighted innovation. “Our decisions will be anchored in scientific rigour,” Ayoub added. The minister committed to guiding wildlife and fisheries by research principles.
The ceremony drew academics and officials. Photos show signatories exchanging documents. Ayoub interacted with youth representatives, stressing environmental education.
AJK’s wildlife sector employs locals in protection roles. These MoUs create research jobs. They foster ties with Pakistan wildlife universities beyond AJK. Challenges remain. No figures emerged, but officials vow priority funding. Implementation starts immediately.
Background: AJK’s Conservation Landscape
AJK covers 13,297 square kilometres of forested hills. The Wildlife Department, under the Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries portfolio, leads efforts. Established mandates include protection and sustainable use. Past achievements include breeding urial and nilgai in zoos. Safari parks host pheasant shoots under controls. Community patrols deter poaching. Threats include urban expansion. Illegal logging persists, as Ayoub noted in recent statements. Forests are national assets, he said, vowing strict action.
These MoUs build on prior ties. Universities like UAJK have run isolated projects. Now, they scale up for AJK wildlife management. South Asia’s context amplifies urgency. Neighbours face similar issues. Pakistan’s federal ministry coordinates, but provincial leads shine here.
What’s Next for AJK Wildlife Management
Implementation follows swiftly. First joint workshops occur next month. Research teams form by quarter’s end. Officials eye pilot studies in key reserves. Data will shape 2026 policies. Monitoring tracks progress.
Long-term, these pacts sustain AJK’s biodiversity. They position universities as conservation hubs. Youth involvement grows. The forward path secures wildlife conservation Azad Kashmir. AJK wildlife management evolves through science and partnership.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 3rd, 2025
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