ISLAMABAD, JUL 27 /DNA/ – As many as twenty-nine large size photos of the exotic wildlife of Pakistan captured by Pakistan’s Wildlife Ambassador and former senator, Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari will go on display at the National Art Gallery No. 2 from Monday.

The exhibition is being organized by the Snow Leopard Foundation and Devcom-Pakistan (Development Communications Network) in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

A formal ceremony to honor this exhibition will be a part of the Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards on July 31. This ceremony will recognize the extraordinary efforts of wildlife guards, watchers, and rangers who have shown remarkable courage and dedication in protecting Pakistan’s wildlife.

Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Director and CEO of the Snow Leopard Foundation: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Devcom-Pakistan and PNCA to bring this exhibition to life. The photographs not only capture the splendor of our wildlife but also underscore the critical need for continued conservation efforts.”

Curator of the exhibition, Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed says: This unique exhibition aims to highlight the breathtaking biodiversity of Pakistan, featuring captivating images that showcase the country’s rich wildlife heritage.

The event will provide a rare opportunity for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and the general public to appreciate the stunning wildlife that inhabits Pakistan’s diverse ecosystems. “Our partnership with the Snow Leopard Foundation and PNCA is a significant step towards raising awareness about wildlife conservation.

This exhibition is a celebration of the extraordinary biodiversity of Pakistan and the dedicated individuals working tirelessly to protect it. The public and media are invited to attend and explore the beauty of Pakistan’s exotic wildlife through the lens of a genius photographer. This exhibition is an opportunity to connect with nature, appreciate the efforts of wildlife protectors, and foster a deeper understanding of the need for conservation.”

Pakistan’s internationally known wildlife photographer, Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari is an honorary Wildlife Ambassador of Pakistan, member of Pakistan National Long-range Rifle Team, former Senator and former chairman BOD, Multan Electric Power Company, and the owner and manager of “Jamal Leghari Wildlife Sanctuary”.

Mr. Leghari believes that his dedication defines his quest to showcase Pakistan’s exotic wildlife in their natural habitats through his photography. “Travelling across the country at my own expense has been a deeply personal mission, a testament to my unwavering commitment to conservation and environmental awareness.

From the majestic mountains of the Himalayas to the sweeping deserts of Balochistan, I have ventured into the heart of untamed wilderness, seeking out elusive creatures and rare moments that define the unique tapestry of Pakistan’s biodiversity.

Armed with my camera and fueled by a passion for nature, I have braved challenging terrains, extreme weather conditions, and countless hours of patience to immortalize the wonders of the natural world.”

Jamal Leghari says: “Through my lens, I have brought to life the grace of the soaring raptors, the stealth of the prowling big cats, and the vibrant colors of the endemic bird species that call Pakistan home. Each photograph is a testament to my artistry, skill, and deep connection with the wildlife I seek to protect and preserve.

Sharing these captivating images with the world has not only showcased the splendor of Pakistan’s exotic wildlife but has also raised awareness about the importance of safeguarding their habitats and ensuring their survival for future generations. My photographs serve as a visual narrative of the fragile balance between humans and nature, inspiring viewers to appreciate, respect, and protect the natural world.

My selfless dedication to documenting Pakistan’s wildlife in their habitats goes beyond mere photography – it is a powerful tool for advocacy, education, and conservation. Through my travels and my art, I have become a storyteller, a messenger, and a guardian of the wild, shining a spotlight on the need to cherish and protect the precious biodiversity that surrounds us.”

As I continue my journey through Pakistan’s wilderness, my photographs will serve as a call to action, igniting a passion for conservation and environmental stewardship in all who are fortunate enough to glimpse the beauty and wonder of the country’s exotic wildlife through my lens. My tireless efforts, creative vision, and unwavering dedication are aimed at preserving Pakistan’s natural heritage for generations to come, he concludes.=DNA

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KARACHI, JUL 6: /DNA/ – The APNS has welcomed and congratulated Ms. Ambreen Jan on her appointment as Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Ms. Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani, President and Mr. Sarmad Ali, Secretary General of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society have hoped that during her tenure as Secretary Information Ms. Ambreen would protect and safeguard the freedom of press and address the problems of print media. They are confident that during her tenure, the print media would continue to enjoy good relations with the Ministry and the government as existed during the tenure of Ms. Shahera Shahid, the outgoing Secretary Information.

The APNS office bearer hoped that issues pertaining to the print media which are still pending would be addressed. These include the implementation of already approved increase in government advertising rates, increase in the quantum of Government advertising and payments of long outstanding dues so that the print media could face the liquidity crunch.

Says when it was agreed to hold the rally at Liaquat Bagh, the march towards Islamabad is incomprehensible

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar accused Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) of breaching the agreement with the government about concluding their protest against inflation with a rally at Liaquat Bagh. However, the government remains open to dialogue, he added.

“When it was agreed to hold the rally at Liaquat Bagh, the march towards Islamabad is incomprehensible,” he said while addressing a press conference alongside Amir Muqam in Islamabad on Friday.

Tarar emphasised that the government is still willing to engage in talks with Jamaat-e-Islami.

Reacting to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s speech at the Bannu rally, Tarar remarked, “We understand his constraints. He reassures in the Apex Committee, but speaks differently in public. After the decision to bring back TTP terrorists, terrorism has increased.”

Tarar criticised the CM Gandapur further, saying, “What should have been done is to outline your actions against terrorism. They have made an agreement with a fake artificial intelligence institution, uncertified by any organisation, which will not benefit the youth.”

Meanwhile, the Islamabad police have arrested numerous participants of the Jamaat-e-Islami sit-in at the federal capital’s D-Chowk, with ongoing efforts to detain more.

The arrested individuals have been transported in prisoner vans, and the routes leading to D-Chowk have been blocked with containers by the police and administration.

Containers have also been placed at the city’s entry points, and major roads and intersections are only allowing one lane of traffic. This has resulted in long queues of vehicles and significant inconvenience for residents.

Additional containers have been placed under the Zero Point Bridge too, leaving only two lanes open for traffic.

A heavy police presence is deployed at Faizabad, equipped with water cannons and tear gas. Operational police units have been issued 10,000 tear gas shells from police lines to manage the protesters.

Heads of three government hospitals have been instructed to keep their emergency departments on high alert until Monday to handle any potential emergencies arising from the situation.

Lahore, JUL 26: In a series of coordinated raids since late Wednesday night, police conducted extensive operations targeting members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) across various cities in Pakistan after they announced a protest sit-in at Islamabad’s D-Chowk after Friday prayers.

The PTI is holding demonstrations in various cities across the country, including several spots in Lahore, outside the Islamabad Press Club, many locations in Karachi including Clifton and Haideri as well as Quetta’s Metropolitan Corporation Office.

In Lahore, police executed raids at more than 60 locations, detaining 110 individuals affiliated with PTI and Jamaat-e-Islami. Notable among the raids was the house of JI Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch. Police detained two people, including Baloch’s employee. Baloch’s son, Ahmad Salman, left to join the protest procession.

Also on Friday, the JI’s procession from PP-169 of Lahore was stopped on the motorway after it left for the Islamabad sit-in. The workers were taken into custody and shifted to a police van, from where they shouted slogans.

Also Read: Why PTI and JI are protesting in Islamabad? Read demands

The houses of PTI’s Hafiz Zeeshan and Yasir Gilani were raided late at night, according to police sources. Police said they conducted raids on food centres, catering service and sound system in Sandah, Gulshan-e-Ravi and arrested 11 PTI workers.

Several workers of the JI were also detained from various places, the police added.

On Thursday, raids were also conducted on the residence of PTI Lahore President Chaudhry Asghar Gujjar in the Karim Park area of Lahore. On finding him absent, the police locked his outhouse.

Gujjar said the police raided and locked the outhouse without a warrant or any legal justification. “My 30-year-old house has been locked,” he added.

Rest of Punjab

In Hasanabdal, police raided the residences of Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, including Tehsil Emir Altaf Hussain and city Emir Noorul Amin. Amin’s son and three workers were arrested during these operations.

Sargodha witnessed a raid at the JI head office, with one worker detained. Police also targeted tehsil offices and the district emir’s residence.

Sahiwal’s raids targeted local Jamaat-e-Islami leaders’ homes, but no arrests were made as the individuals were reportedly not present. Raids were also conducted at the houses of activists across the district.

Also Read: Islamabad-Rawalpindi roads blocked with containers amid PTI, JI protest call

In Gujranwala, police surrounded the house of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Furqan Aziz Butt with a heavy contingent. Butt was not at home during the raid.

These raids come in the wake of PTI’s call for a protest on July 26. The extensive operations reflect increasing tensions between law enforcement and opposition parties, with authorities taking a firm stance against political activists in the lead-up to the planned demonstrations.

Why PTI and JI are protesting in Islamabad?
The PTI) and JI are protesting separately on Friday for various reasons, including the release of the PTI founder and record-high inflation, respectively.

To prevent the protesters, the entrance and exit routes of Islamabad were closed with containers. The Red Zone was sealed. D-Chowk, Serena Chowk, Nadra Chowk, Faizabad to Murree Expressway were also closed with containers.

The authorities have also imposed Section 144 in Islamabad.

On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) is protesting against electricity bills and taxes imposed in the budget 2024-25. ICT Police and law informant agencies placed containers at Red Zone Cell, D Chowk, Serena Chowk, and Expressway. Due to the closure of the roads, the citizens are facing severe problems.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 26 (DNA): Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Friday said that Pakistan and Italy enjoy a long-standing cordial relations based on a shared commitment to global peace and sustainable development.

“It is high time to enhance political, cultural, economic, and people-to-people connections between the two countries for the mutual benefit of the people on both sides, the speaker said during a meeting with the Italian Ambassador to Pakistan, Mrs. Marilina Armellin, who called on him.

According to news release, during the meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of regional and global developments.

They underscored the significance of continuous collaboration to maintain a positive trajectory in bilateral relations and explore new areas of engagement.

While discussing parliamentary cooperation, the speaker called for regular interaction between parliaments, mainly through parliamentary friendship groups and the exchange of parliamentary delegations, in order to share and learn from each other’s experiences.

The Ambassador expressed gratitude to the speaker for his kind remarks and reiterated that Italy considered Pakistan as an important regional stakeholder.

She expressed a desire to further strengthen linkages in all areas of mutual interest, in addition to fostering parliamentary and cultural exchanges.