Islamabad: Zong, a leading technology services company in Pakistan, has joined forces with WWF-Pakistan to bolster efforts for the conservation of the endangered Indus River Dolphin, one of the rarest freshwater dolphin species globally. The collaboration aims to enhance rescue operations, ecological monitoring, community engagement, and environmental awareness to protect this iconic species and its delicate river ecosystem.
According to WWF-Pakistan, the partnership was inaugurated with the launch of the Indus Dolphin Rescue and Mobile Awareness Ambulance at their Islamabad office. The event was attended by prominent figures including the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musaddiq Masood Malik, Zong Chairman and CEO Mr. Huo Junli, Director General WWF Pakistan Mr. Hammad Naqi Khan, and His Excellency Yang Guangyuan of the Chinese Embassy.
Dr. Musaddiq Masood Malik emphasized the importance of the Indus River Dolphin as a symbol of Pakistan's natural heritage and highlighted the collaborative nature of the conservation efforts. He expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy and Zong for their support in not only this initiative but also in strengthening connectivity and improving livelihoods across the country.
Zong's Chief Regulatory Officer, Mr. Kamran Ali, underscored the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and the promotion of inclusive growth. He described the Indus Dolphin Rescue Ambulance as a testament to the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan and expressed hope that the project would mark a significant step forward in environmental protection efforts.
Director General of WWF Pakistan, Mr. Hammad Naqi Khan, noted the success of conservation efforts which have increased the dolphin population to approximately 2,000. He emphasized that the new dolphin ambulance would enhance the capacity for emergency response and monitoring, helping to ensure that stranded dolphins receive the necessary assistance.
The Indus River Dolphin, found only in the Indus River system, has faced significant challenges such as habitat fragmentation and shrinking freshwater flows. The newly launched initiative will deploy a specialized mobile rescue unit to cover the largest global population of these dolphins between the Guddu and Sukkur barrages in Sindh. The project aims to engage local communities as conservation partners and deliver awareness sessions across remote areas, aligning with Zong's sustainability goals of promoting biodiversity protection and community empowerment.