GILGIT: Provincial Minister for Forest, Wildlife and Environment, Gilgit-Baltistan, Raja Nasir Ali Khan, visited the Civil Secretariat in Jutial, Gilgit, where he reviewed the performance, institutional framework and ongoing initiatives of the department and its attached formations.
The minister was given a detailed briefing covering the department’s mandate, institutional structure, performance, ongoing programmes and key priorities. The briefing was presented by Secretary Forest, Wildlife and Environment Sibtain Ahmad, Chief Conservator Wildlife and Parks Dr Zakir Hussain, Chief Conservator Forests Mehmud Ghaznavi, and Director Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Gilgit-Baltistan Shahzad Hasan Shigri.
The officials briefed the minister on the department’s ongoing efforts and key challenges relating to the conservation and sustainable management of forests, wildlife, biodiversity and the natural environment of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Raja Nasir Ali Khan expressed satisfaction with the department’s overall performance and appreciated the efforts being made to protect the region’s valuable natural resources.
The minister said the issues and challenges highlighted during the briefing would be given due priority and addressed through coordinated efforts at the relevant forums.
He also stressed the importance of sustained institutional coordination among the department and its attached formations, directing that regular review meetings be held to ensure effective follow-up and timely resolution of outstanding matters.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening environmental conservation across Gilgit-Baltistan, with particular emphasis on biodiversity protection, wildlife conservation, sustainable forest management and effective environmental protection.
Gilgit-Baltistan is home to diverse forest ecosystems, wildlife habitats and fragile mountain environments, making effective conservation and sustainable natural resource management essential for maintaining ecological balance and supporting climate resilience in the region.
The minister’s directives are expected to strengthen coordination and monitoring of conservation initiatives and help ensure that environmental priorities remain central to the region’s development agenda.
