Zong has joined hands with WWF-Pakistan to support the conservation of the endangered Indus River Dolphin through the launch of a dedicated Indus Dolphin Rescue and Mobile Awareness Ambulance, strengthening rescue operations and community awareness across the Indus River ecosystem.
The initiative was officially inaugurated at the WWF-Pakistan office in Islamabad in the presence of Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik, Zong Chairman and CEO Mr. Huo Junli, WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan, representatives from the Chinese Embassy, and senior officials from the partner organizations.
The partnership aims to improve emergency rescue operations, ecological monitoring, and public awareness for the Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor), one of the world’s rarest freshwater dolphin species and a unique part of Pakistan’s natural heritage.
Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Musadik Malik highlighted the importance of collective efforts in protecting Pakistan’s biodiversity and appreciated the support of the Chinese Embassy, Zong, and WWF-Pakistan for advancing conservation while strengthening Pakistan-China cooperation.
Speaking on the occasion, Zong Chief Regulatory Officer Kamran Ali said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and inclusive growth. He noted that after serving Pakistan for nearly two decades, Zong remains dedicated to supporting meaningful projects that benefit both communities and the environment.
WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan said the country’s estimated population of around 2,000 Indus River Dolphins represents a significant conservation success. He added that WWF-Pakistan has rescued and released more than 200 stranded dolphins since 1992 in collaboration with provincial wildlife departments, and the addition of the specialized rescue ambulance will further strengthen emergency response and monitoring efforts.
The mobile rescue unit will operate across the Guddu and Sukkur barrages in Sindh, home to the world’s largest remaining population of the Indus River Dolphin. Besides supporting rescue and relocation of stranded dolphins, the project will engage more than 1,500 fisherfolk and riverine community members while conducting around 50 awareness sessions in remote areas.
The initiative aligns with Zong’s sustainability strategy, focusing on biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and community empowerment, while reinforcing the company’s commitment to building a more sustainable future for Pakistan.
