| حکومت آزاد جموں و کشمیر محکمہ جنگلات، جنگلی حیات و ماہی پروری | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir |
| Headquarters | Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir |
| Agency executive |
|
| Parent department | Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir |
| Website | forest |
The Forestry, Wildlife & Fisheries Department (FW&FD) is a department of the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) responsible for the management of forests, wildlife, and fisheries across the region. The department oversees sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and protection of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act, 2014. [1] [2]
The FW&FD functions under multiple legislative and policy instruments, notably the AJK Wildlife Act, 2014, the Forest (Amendment) Act, 2000, and provisions within the AJK environmental policy framework. The Wildlife Act provides for the declaration and management of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, game reserves, and community conservation areas; it also establishes regulatory authority for hunting, trade, and rehabilitation of wild fauna. [3]
Independent reports note that the department periodically issues bans on hunting and enforces anti-poaching operations under this law. In 2013, the government imposed a three-year blanket hunting ban to curb poaching, [4] while in 2025 the department booked several individuals for killing an endangered Himalayan grey goral. [5]
The department operates under the Secretary Forests, headquartered in Muzaffarabad. It comprises three primary wings: Forests, Wildlife, and Fisheries. Each wing is supervised by divisional offices located in key districts, including Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Bagh, and Mirpur. The official website provides maps, contact information, and division-wise data on forest types and management units. [6] [7] [8]
The department administers AJK’s protected area network, which includes Machiara National Park, Pir Lasura National Park, Poonch River Mahaseer National Park, and several game reserves and sanctuaries. The 2010 designation of Poonch River Mahaseer National Park was Pakistan’s first riverine protected area. [9]
The department also manages wildlife breeding centres and rescue facilities that have successfully bred Hog Deer , Blue Bull, Chinkara , Nil Gai , and Urial for conservation and educational purposes. [10]
In recent years, AJK Wildlife teams have intervened in several wildlife rescue operations, including capturing leopards in Muzaffarabad and rehabilitating injured Himalayan gorals. [11] [12]
The forestry wing implements watershed protection, reforestation, and erosion control projects. In 2024, the Forest Minister announced reforestation efforts across wildfire-affected areas under the Green Pakistan Programme and Billion Tree Tsunami initiative, supported by the federal government. [13]
The department manages inland fisheries, hatcheries, and fish farming initiatives across the Neelum and Jhelum river systems to promote sustainable livelihoods and protein security in rural communities. [14]
The department regularly responds to cases of leopard encounters and poaching incidents. In 2024, a case involving the alleged shooting of leopard cubs in Muzaffarabad went viral on social media; the department launched an investigation and filed a report with the wildlife magistrate. [15]
A capacity needs assessment conducted by the UNDP in 2019 identified the department’s training and institutional strengthening requirements for effective biodiversity management. [16]
Staff of the department have received national recognition under the Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards. In 2024, the Musk Deer Award was conferred on Jan Muhammad Nasir, a Game Watcher with the AJK Wildlife wing, for exemplary field service. [17] [18] [19]
In 2025, the Musk Deer Award went to Mehboob Shah, Game Watcher, AJK Wildlife Department, as announced by national media and official briefings. [20] [21] [22]
AJK personnel have also received other national category honours; in 2025 the Snow Leopard Award (national category) was announced for Muhammad Ismail, Game Watcher, AJK Wildlife Department. [23] [24]