ISLAMABAD: Zong, a major technology services provider in Pakistan, has joined forces with WWF-Pakistan to bolster conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding the endangered Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor). This collaborative effort seeks to enhance rescue operations, ecological monitoring, community engagement, and environmental awareness to protect one of the world's rarest freshwater dolphin species and its ecosystem.
According to Zong Pakistan, the partnership was inaugurated with the launch of the Indus Dolphin Rescue and Mobile Awareness Ambulance at the WWF Pakistan office in Islamabad. Present at the event were notable figures, including Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik, Zong Chairman and CEO Mr. Huo Junli, Director General WWF Pakistan Mr. Hammad Naqi Khan, and His Excellency Yang Guangyuan from the Chinese Embassy.
During the ceremony, Dr. Musadik Malik emphasized the dolphin's historical significance and highlighted the importance of collective conservation efforts. He expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy and Zong for their support in this initiative, which also aims to strengthen connectivity and improve livelihoods in remote communities in Pakistan.
Mr. Kamran Ali, Chief Regulatory Officer at Zong, stated that the Indus Dolphin Rescue Ambulance symbolizes Zong's commitment to environmental stewardship and the longstanding China-Pakistan friendship. He underscored the company's dedication to bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth in Pakistan.
Mr. Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF Pakistan, noted the success of conservation efforts that have helped rescue and release more than 200 stranded dolphins since 1992. He stressed that the new dolphin ambulance will significantly boost emergency response and monitoring capabilities, showcasing how businesses can invest in practical conservation solutions beyond traditional philanthropy.
The Indus River Dolphin, native to the Indus River system, faces severe threats due to habitat fragmentation, reduced freshwater flows, and accidental strandings. The initiative, which includes a specialized mobile rescue unit, aims to monitor and rescue dolphins, engage local communities, and conduct awareness sessions, thereby reinforcing conservation efforts in the region.
Zong's partnership with WWF-Pakistan aligns with its sustainability goals of promoting biodiversity protection and community empowerment, illustrating that environmental conservation and socioeconomic development can progress together towards a sustainable future for Pakistan.