PESHAWAR: A groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of Wildlife Park Dera Ismail Khan was held on Thursday, marking the launch of a major project aimed at promoting wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, environmental education, and sustainable development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The ceremony was inaugurated by Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur, who described the expansion as a significant step towards strengthening biodiversity conservation and creating new opportunities for tourism, research, and public recreation.
Addressing the event, Gandapur said the project would enhance wildlife conservation efforts, support species propagation, promote eco-tourism, and generate sustainable revenue while providing improved recreational facilities for visitors. He added that the initiative would also contribute to the local economy and environmental awareness.
Project Director Khan Malook Khan briefed participants on the scope of the project, ongoing development work, and future infrastructure planned under the expansion scheme. He also presented the history of Wildlife Park D.I. Khan, which was established in 2014 on 30 kanal of land through the support of Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, then Revenue Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said the park was created to conserve wildlife in a semi-natural environment, promote eco-tourism, raise public awareness about biodiversity, and facilitate wildlife-based scientific research. Over the years, it has become one of the region’s leading recreational and conservation attractions, drawing thousands of visitors annually, particularly during Eid holidays, Pakistan Day, Independence Day, and other public holidays.
Officials noted that the park’s growing popularity had exceeded the capacity of its existing 30-kanal site, prompting the provincial government to approve its expansion.
Under the project, an additional 160 kanal of land has been transferred from the Agriculture Department following approval by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet. The expansion is being implemented under the province’s Annual Development Programme (ADP).
Once completed, the expanded wildlife park will feature modern animal enclosures, walk-through aviaries, bird cages, landscaped gardens, walking tracks, a cafeteria, sun and rain shelters, children’s play areas, visitor interpretation centres, and other public amenities.
The project is expected to significantly increase visitor capacity while strengthening wildlife conservation, captive breeding programmes, environmental education, scientific research, and nature-based tourism, positioning Wildlife Park Dera Ismail Khan as one of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s premier eco-tourism and conservation destinations.
