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PFI Marks World Wildlife Day with Call to Protect Biodiversity and Medicinal Plants
Awareness walk, speeches highlight role of wildlife conservation in ecological balance and human wellbeing
Staff Reporter
PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI) observed World Wildlife Day on Tuesday to raise awareness about protecting endangered species, combating wildlife crime, and promoting the sustainable use of biodiversity.
Participants also took part in an awareness walk organized to mark the day and highlight the importance of wildlife conservation among the public.
The event was jointly organized by PFI in collaboration with the NTFP Directorate and WWF Pakistan under the theme, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”
Director General PFI Manzoor Ahmad attended the ceremony as chief guest. Director Forest Education Atif Majeed, Director KP Forest Directorate Rasheed Hussain, Coordinator Amjad Rehman, Senior Conservation Officer of WWF Aimal Khan, along with experts and a large number of students, were also present.
Speakers emphasized that wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by supporting biodiversity and ensuring healthy ecosystems. They noted that wildlife contributes directly to human wellbeing by providing food, medicine, and economic opportunities, adding that protecting wildlife ultimately means protecting humanity itself.
Addressing the gathering, DG Manzoor Ahmad said this year’s theme of World Wildlife Day holds special significance for Pakistan. He highlighted that medicinal and aromatic plants are essential for both human health and environmental sustainability, as many communities rely on traditional medicines for primary healthcare while numerous modern medicines are also derived from natural plants.
He added that these plants support industries such as cosmetics and food production while strengthening ecosystems through biodiversity conservation and pollination. However, habitat loss and overharvesting are placing many species at risk, making their conservation a global priority.
Other speakers said the Pakistan Forest Institute, as a premier institution, plays a key role in professional education and training in forestry, wildlife management, and allied disciplines. The institute also conducts research and contributes to policy development aimed at sustainable forest and wildlife conservation.
At the conclusion of the event, shields and certificates were distributed among winners of a speech competition, followed by an awareness walk to promote public understanding of wildlife conservation and the significance of the day.
National
Pakistani hospital saves Somali girl from life-threatening eye tumor.
Al-Shifa Trust surgeons remove eye tumor in cross-border care.
TARIQ KHATTAK
RAWALPINDI
Surgeons at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital have removed a massive congenital eye tumour from a six-year-old Somali girl, preventing the growth from spreading to her brain after years of unsuccessful treatment attempts abroad.
The child, Nimoh, was born with a tumour affecting one eye. According to hospital officials, her family sought medical help in multiple countries but could not access definitive treatment. By the time she reached Rawalpindi, prolonged irritation and repeated rubbing had worsened the condition, and doctors determined that vision in the affected eye had already been permanently lost.
Dr Tayyab Afgani, head of the hospital’s oculoplastics department, said the tumour had expanded steadily and posed a life-threatening risk. “Removing the mass was essential to prevent further spread and potentially fatal complications,” he said.
A multidisciplinary surgical team carried out a complex procedure to remove the tumour, working around delicate nerves and blood vessels. The operation was completed without major complications. Afghani confirmed that the immediate threat to her life has been eliminated, and she remains under post-operative observation.
Dr Tayyab Afgani said cases reflect the consequences of delayed access to specialised care. According to the World Health Organisation, at least 2.2 billion people worldwide live with some form of vision impairment, with the majority residing in low and middle-income countries where specialist services are limited. In South Asia and parts of Africa, untreated childhood eye conditions continue to contribute to preventable blindness.
Hospital officials said the family approached Al-Shifa after learning about its ocular oncology services. The institution, a non-profit network, provides care to a large proportion of patients at no cost through donor funding. About 80 percent of patients across its facilities receive free treatment.
Nimoh is recovering well, doctors said, and will continue follow-up care in the coming weeks. For her family, the surgery marks the first sustained medical breakthrough after years of uncertainty.
