Islamabad, 4 September 2026: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has called for a balanced, responsible and sustainable approach to wildlife conservation, stressing that the protection of natural habitats, responsible use of natural resources, scientific breeding and active participation of local communities were essential for preserving Pakistan’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.

 

NA Speaker was addressing a Gala Dinner as Chief Guest organized by Safari Club International (SCI) Pakistan in Islamabad on the theme “Wildlife Conservation, Sustainable Use and Responsible Stewardship.” The event was attended by Federal Minister for Defence Production Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, parliamentarians, former parliamentarians, wildlife officials, conservation experts, members of SCI and other stakeholders.

 

Recalling his youth, the NA Speaker fondly remembered hunting with friends using pellet guns, enjoying long summer days outdoors when mobile phones and digital gadgets were nonexistent and outdoors were the only source of recreation and companionship.

 

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq appreciated Chairman SCI Pakistan Chapter Syed Sumsam Ali Bukhari and the officials and members of SCI Pakistan for their efforts towards wildlife conservation, preservation of natural habitats, promotion of responsible hunting, environmental protection, animal breeding and welfare, as well as their social initiatives for local communities. 

 

NA Speaker expressed concern over the overall deterioration of the environment and said that the melting of glaciers and the recurring loss of precious human lives and infrastructure due to floods were matters of serious concern. 

 

NA Speaker highlighted the importance of green energy and stated that Parliament of Pakistan became the world’s first Green Parliament in 2015 and was also the first government building in Pakistan to receive net-metering. 

 

During COVID-19, the Speaker said, wildlife re-emerged in urban areas, reminding humanity that animals are integral to the planet and essential for maintaining ecological balance.

 

The Speaker also apprised the gathering of a water-harvesting initiative being undertaken at Parliament House. He said that the National Assembly was working towards establishing its own rainwater-harvesting system, emphasizing that water harvesting was increasingly necessary for conserving, storing and responsibly managing precious water resources.

 

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that efforts were also being considered to bring forward a resolution in the National Assembly aimed at restricting unnecessary cutting of trees and encouraging water conservation facilities in newly constructed houses. 

 

He called for concerted efforts to stop poaching and stressed that sustainable wildlife management should increasingly rely on scientifically managed breeding and conservation programmes rather than practices that threaten wildlife populations. 

 

The Speaker said protecting markhors and other wildlife is vital for ecological balance, preserving Pakistan’s natural heritage and strengthening its international image as a responsible conservation-minded nation.

 

Welcoming international members of Safari Club International to Pakistan, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq extended a gracious invitation to them to visit the country’s northern areas, glaciers and the rugged and barren mountains of Balochistan, among other tourist sites. 

 

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also presented an award on to Founder and CEO of Saazgar Engineering Works Limited, Mian Asad Hameed. Federal Minister for Defence Production Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj also presented awards to members of SCI, conservationists and other stakeholders.