Latest news with #HammadNaqiKhan
Business Recorder
06-06-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
‘2m tonnes of plastic wastes yearly, 86pc mismanaged'
KARACHI: Pakistan is facing an alarming plastic pollution crisis, with nearly two million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually, 86 percent of which is mismanaged, according to a press release issued by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) on World Environment Day. The statement reveals that over 1.7 million tonnes of this waste ends up in landfills, open dumping sites, waterways, and food systems—placing Pakistan among the top 10 plastic-polluting countries globally. WWF-Pakistan warned that plastic pollution has become a critical environmental challenge, significantly contributing to environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and water contamination. The country ranks among the highest in South Asia in terms of plastic mismanagement, worsening issues related to urban waste disposal and posing serious public health risks. On a global scale, plastics have transformed industries by offering cost-effective, durable alternatives to traditional materials. However, the widespread use of single-use plastics (SUPs) has triggered serious environmental and health concerns. These short-term disposable items, such as bottles, wrappers, bags, and cutlery, are discarded in the billions every day. The United Nations Environment Programme reports that approximately 400 million metric tons of plastic wastes are produced annually, with 36 percent consisting of single-use items. A 2023 study by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) found that less than 10 percent of plastic waste in Pakistan is recycled. The rest contributes to inefficient waste diversion and overflows in landfill sites. The situation is further worsened by the absence of an integrated waste management system and minimal investment in material recovery infrastructure. Single-use plastics are most commonly found in food and beverage packaging, such as bottles, takeout containers, grocery bags, straws, and personal care products. Plastic packaging alone accounts for 40 percent of global plastic production, making it the leading contributor to the accumulation of global plastic waste. These products are primarily made from non-biodegradable polymers like polyethylene and polystyrene, which can persist in the environment for centuries and cause serious ecological and health hazards. Globally, over 14 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans each year, endangering marine ecosystems. Microplastics—tiny particles resulting from the degradation of larger plastic items—have entered the global food chain, with traces found in seafood, drinking water, and even human blood. Exposure to these particles has been linked to hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, and higher risks of carcinogenic diseases. Moreover, the plastic industry also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global climate change. Commenting on the gravity of the situation, Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, said the world is struggling to tackle plastic pollution, which is adversely affecting human health, ecosystems, and endangered wildlife. He emphasized the urgent need to reduce plastic production and launch joint awareness campaigns to educate the public about the harmful impacts of plastic usage. 'Despite the government's partial bans on plastic bags, the affordability and convenience of single-use plastics continue to drive excessive consumption,' Khan stated. He called for stronger policy interventions, improved waste recovery systems, and a transition to circular plastic economy models. The situation in Pakistan is particularly concerning, as microplastics have been detected in several drinking water sources, raising alarm about long-term health consequences. Additionally, the country's plastic industry emits substantial amounts of CO₂ each year, heightening its vulnerability to climate change. WWF-Pakistan urged authorities and the public to discourage the production and consumption of plastic products to protect the environment and mitigate health risks. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Markhor population sees positive trend
"With capacity-building programmes and engagement of local communities in conservation initiatives, a positive population trend has been observed in the Markhor species". WWF-Pakistan stated this on World Makhor Day while appreciating the conservation efforts of local communities in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to the organisation, close coordination between conservation organisations, government departments and local communities has resulted in an increase in the Markhor species and their habitat range in Pakistan. In June 2024, WWF-Pakistan, in collaboration with Pakistan Post, issued stamps showcasing the Kashmir markhor. According to WWF, the markhor species in Pakistan faces numerous threats that jeopardise its survival. However, the involvement of communities has improved the habitat and population of these species. The markhor, declared the national animal of Pakistan, is a large wild goat species native to South Asia and Central Asia, mainly existing in Pakistan, India, the Karakoram range, parts of Afghanistan and the Himalayas. Since 2015, it has been classified as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Often based on their horn configuration, the markhor has been divided into five sub-species, namely Astor markhor, Bukharan markhor, Kabul markhor, Kashmir markhor and Suleiman markhor. Remarking on the day, WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan lauded the efforts of local communities in the protection of the Markhor species and highlighted the need for transnational conservation efforts to safeguard their future.
Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
WWF-Pakistan opposes snow leopards' transfer to Moscow
LAHORE: The proposed move to transfer the snow leopards from Gilgit-Baltistan to Moscow not only contradicts national and international conservation commitments but also risks setting a highly detrimental precedent for future transfer of threatened and iconic wildlife species from Pakistan. WWF-Pakistan stated this in a letter to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), Government of Pakistan, on the proposed transfer of two snow leopards, currently housed at the Naltar Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, to the Moscow Zoo, Russia. WWF-Pakistan expressed its deepest concern and opposition to the move and demanded that the proposed export of snow leopards be immediately cancelled. The organization also called for reaffirmation of Pakistan's commitment to the conservation of its iconic wildlife species and emphasized upholding the obligations under international agreements. According to WWF-Pakistan, the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), listed as a threatened (Vulnerable) species on the IUCN Red List (2017), receives the highest level of legal protection under Pakistan's national and provincial wildlife legislation, including that of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, the species is included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which strictly prohibits international trade except under exceptional, non-commercial circumstances. It further said there is no compelling conservation rationale for transferring these snow leopards to Russia, a country that already hosts a significantly larger wild population of the species. WWF-Pakistan recommended that instead of exporting the country's unique natural heritage, Pakistan should demonstrate global leadership by reinforcing its commitment to conservation and the protection of its remaining wild snow leopard populations. The organization also highlighted the risk that once the snow leopards are transferred, it would be difficult to monitor or ensure the well-being of these animals under Russian jurisdiction. Remarking on the proposed move, Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General WWF-Pakistan, said that approval of this export would undermine decades of conservation progress and significantly damage Pakistan's standing in the global conservation community. This moment calls for reaffirming our stewardship of national biodiversity and strengthening the institutions responsible for its protection, rather than yielding to external pressures that compromise our long-term conservation goals. 'We need to uphold Pakistan's obligations under international agreements such as CITES and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) by prioritizing the protection of vulnerable and critically endangered species within national borders', Khan added. WWF-Pakistan strongly recommended steps to strengthen the Naltar Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre to function as a dedicated facility for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and veterinary care, equipped to manage future confiscations and care cases. It also asked for enhancing the capacity of the Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department through targeted technical training, adequate financial support, and provision of essential operational equipment. The organization reiterated that Pakistan must set an example for other nations in ensuring the protection of the country's invaluable wildlife heritage. In the letter, WWF-Pakistan also expressed its commitment to supporting the Ministry in designing and implementing measures that advance wildlife conservation across Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
03-03-2025
- Express Tribune
WWF launches app to report wildlife crimes
Pakistan is home to majestic wildlife, including common and snow leopards, brown and black bears, Indian pangolins, freshwater and sea turtles, Indus River dolphins, and diverse species of resident and migratory birds. But these wildlife species face serious threats from wildlife crimes, which include illegal trade, poaching, hunting, and ill-treatment. An application has been launched to report wildlife crimes and coordinate meaningful actions by the government departments and law enforcement agencies. The World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) said in its press release issued on the occasion of the World Wildlife Day 2025. It further said this is the first time this application has been launched to tackle crimes facing wildlife in Pakistan. The application has been developed under the Securing the Future for Indian Pangolin project supported by the Pangolin Crisis Fund. A link to the application has been developed on Google Drive for reporting crimes and will soon be available on the Google Play Store. The theme for the 2025 World Wildlife Day, 'wildlife conservation finance: Investing in People and Planet," focuses on innovative technologies and enhancing collaboration to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of existing financial resources. It highlights the urgent need to strengthen investment in conservation efforts, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for humanity and the natural world. Advanced technologies such as software applications, artificial intelligence, camera traps, and satellite data can help address wildlife threats, monitor conservation performance, and promote effective strategies for protecting threatened wildlife. This application will report and collect data on wildlife crimes, enabling the relevant departments and agencies to take action against wildlife criminals. WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan remarked that addressing wildlife crimes requires an inclusive approach involving government departments, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and local communities. Tackling such crimes could be improved by building capacity, fostering collaboration, raising awareness, and creating enabling conditions that integrate the expertise of AI specialists, conservation experts, and members of local communities. Khan emphasized the essential role of wildlife in promoting ecosystem management and human well-being. Referring to the application, Khan said that it would create a platform for wildlife officials, conservation experts, and the public to interact and share valuable information about illegal wildlife activities "To protect the wildlife, we need to work together and take immediate action to combat wildlife crime as it is one of the key reasons for species decline at local, national, and international levels", Khan added.
