Pakistan, in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan and federal and provincial departments, is developing a comprehensive five-year national strategy to conserve the endangered Indus river dolphin. The initiative, currently under consultation, aims to protect the species and restore its riverine habitat through coordinated actions across Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Hammad Naqi, director general of WWF-Pakistan, explained that the first Indus Dolphin Conservation Action Plan was drafted in 2011. “Shifts in river ecology and emerging threats mean the plan needs a comprehensive review and updating,” he said. The updated strategy is intended to address the changing challenges faced by the dolphin population, including habitat degradation, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices.
Consultations have been held among WWF-Pakistan, federal wildlife, fisheries, environment, and irrigation departments, along with provincial agencies, to build consensus on the plan’s key elements. Experts highlighted that dolphin populations in Punjab remain lower than in Sindh, largely due to illegal or harmful fishing nets. Reduced river flows, riverbank degradation, and pollution further exacerbate the risks to the species.
Population estimates have shown improvement over recent decades. A 2017 survey recorded approximately 1,816 dolphins between Chashma and Sukkur, while WWF-Pakistan officials estimate the current population is close to 2,000. Stakeholders at a recent Islamabad meeting emphasized the need for enhanced scientific research to monitor population trends, habitat condition, water-flow patterns, and climate change impacts. Such data is critical for designing effective conservation interventions and evaluating their outcomes.
Key elements proposed for the updated action plan include increasing dolphin numbers through focused protection, restoring riverine and wetland habitats, nominating critical sites for international recognition such as Ramsar or UNESCO Man and Biosphere status, strengthening law enforcement, expanding rescue and monitoring units, and promoting community participation and youth awareness.
Sheikh Muhammad Zahid, additional chief wildlife ranger for south Punjab, stressed that the Indus dolphin is protected under Pakistan’s wildlife laws and that strict measures are in place where populations exist. He noted sizeable dolphin populations between the Chashma and Sukkur barrages and emphasized ongoing monitoring and scientific assessments. Officials and conservation specialists agree that the new strategy will provide a clear roadmap for the species’ long-term survival and contribute to the protection of Pakistan’s freshwater ecosystems.
The updated conservation strategy marks a significant step toward safeguarding the Indus river dolphin, strengthening coordination between federal and provincial institutions, and restoring the health of Pakistan’s riverine habitats for future generations.
