Krumians Zoological Society

A five-day Water Quality Training Program, organized under the “Water for Development” project in collaboration with the University of Marche, Italy, and EvK2CNR, concluded successfully at Karakoram International University (KIU). The program aimed to enhance skills in water quality management and support sustainable development goals.
The closing ceremony was attended by KIU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Attaullah Shah as the chief guest, alongside international experts including Prof. Francesco Regoli, Director of Life Sciences at the University of Marche, Mr. Maurizio Gallo, Mr. Arif Hussain (EvK2CNR), Dr. T**i Melis (University of Cagliari), Dr. Stefania, and Resente Mattia (University of Marche), as well as UNDP representative Mr. Faheem and a large number of students.
During the training, participants were introduced to advanced technical and scientific methods to address water quality challenges. The program focused on building local capacities to improve water standards and ensure environmental protection.
In his address,
The focal person from KIU and Administrator water quality lab Dr. Maisoor Nafees shared that more than 30 undergraduate, 4 MS and a PhD student is part of research activity under water 4 development project. He applauded the addition of FTIR spectroscope at water quality lab, enables the investigation of emergent pollutants like micro plastic.
Prof. Dr. Attaullah Shah emphasized that clean and safe water is fundamental to quality of life. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure water quality, noting that many health issues arise from poor water availability or quality. He also praised KIU’s Water Quality Lab for its ongoing efforts in improving water standards in collaboration with various partners.
International experts reiterated their commitment to academic exchange and strengthening global cooperation in water resource management with KIU, calling the training program a milestone in conserving and utilizing water resources in the region.

KIU Proud Alumna Spotlight!

Meet Hina Kali, an inspiring graduate of Karakoram International University (Batch 2019–2021, MS Animal Sciences/Zoology). Now serving as Headmistress (BPS-18) as DDO at Girls Higher Secondary School Askurdas, Nagar, she is dedicated to empowering young minds through leadership and education.

A true symbol of academic excellence and public service. 🙌

✨ Admissions are now open for Fall 2025!
Join KIU—where future leaders are made.

🔗 admissions.kiu.edu.pk
🔗 www.kiu.edu.pk

📢 Attention Students!
Join us for the Water for Development (W4D) Seminar on 19th June 2025, 11 AM – 1 PM, featuring experts from Italy’s Polytechnic University of the Marche.

🌊 Topics:
🔹 Water quality evaluation: from legacy to emerging contaminants – Prof. Alessandro Nardi
🔹 Emerging Contaminants in environmental matrices from Gilgit Baltistan – Prof. Stefania Gorbi

📍 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about global and regional water challenges, environmental health, and cutting-edge research!

Celebrating the majestic Markhor on ! A symbol of resilience and pride, let's protect this iconic species and its natural habitat for future generations

International Day for Biological Diversity 2025

Organized by Krumians Zoological Society and Stars of krumian Biological Sciences(SKBS), Department of Animal Sciences, Karakoram International University, Gilgit-Baltistan

On May 22, 2025, the Department of Animal Sciences at Karakoram International University, Gilgit-Baltistan, proudly celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity

The event, collaboratively organized by the students and faculty, highlighted the global theme of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Students showcased innovative models, charts, and presentations emphasizing the critical role biodiversity plays in maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on Earth.

The celebration featured an engaging exhibition and gallery walk, aimed at spreading awareness about biodiversity and the urgent need to protect it. Visitors, including faculty members, students from various departments, and the general public, actively participated and appreciated the creative efforts and informative displays.

This successful event reflects the commitment of the Animal Sciences Department to environmental education, sustainability, and youth-led awareness initiatives.

Today is .

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ now includes 169,420 species, of which 47,187 are threatened with extinction.

The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s .

An awareness session on Infectious Waste Management was successfully organized at Karakoram International University (KIU). The primary objective of the session was to educate students on how to protect themselves and their families from infections by maintaining a safe environment and properly disposing of infectious waste using correct techniques.

According to the KIU Public Relations Office, the Vice Chancellor of KIU, Prof. Dr. Attaullah Shah, and Commissioner Gilgit, Sardar Asad Haroon, attended the concluding ceremony of the session as chief guests. In their addresses, both dignitaries emphasized the critical importance of solid waste management, especially infectious waste, and warned that mishandling such hazardous materials poses a serious threat to public health and increases the risk of widespread diseases within communities.

They highly appreciated the efforts of the Karakoram Society of Microbiology and the Department of Animal Sciences for initiating such a timely and important discussion. They commended the department's commitment to raising awareness and promoting responsible practices in the region.

Earlier, Dr. Samina Mumtaz, Chairperson of the Department of Animal Sciences, along with other speakers, stressed the importance of such sessions in promoting a healthier community and highlighted the value of increasing awareness through such educational initiatives.

The session was jointly organized by the Department of Animal Sciences and the Karakoram Society of Microbiology.

"May the blessings of Allah shine upon you and your loved ones on this auspicious occasion of Eid ul Adha. May your faith be strengthened, your heart be filled with joy, and your life be blessed with peace and prosperity. May the spirit of sacrifice and obedience to Allah's commandments be rewarded with happiness and togetherness. Eid Mubarak!"

*_Save the Earth, It's Our Only Home_*

On June 5th, 2024, *_World Environment Day_* was observed at Karakoram International University (KIU) in collaboration with government sectors, GB-EPA, Gilgit Union of Journalists, KCBL, GBRSP, IUCN, WWF, AKRSP, Visit Gilgit Baltistan, Forest Department GB, SPD Pakistan, Rupani Foundation, Parks and Wildlife, Red Crescent Pakistan, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, SLF, German Red Cross, ETI, and Polaris System LLP.

The theme of this program was *_Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience - Our Land, Our Future_*.

The event was skillfully hosted by journalist Shabir Mir, who ensured a seamless and engaging program. The proceedings commenced with a solemn recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Muhammad, which was followed by a soulful Naat rendition by Hina Zehra, filling the atmosphere with spirituality and harmony.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, and to promote sustainable practices for a better future.

Khadim Hussain, Deputy Director of GB-EPA, welcomed the guests and explained the theme, purpose, and importance of *_World Environment Day_*, which was "*_Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience - Our Land, Our Future_*." He also extended his gratitude to the sponsors for their support.
Vice Chancellor KIU Professor Engr. Dr. Attaullah Shah delivered a thought-provoking keynote address, shedding light on the alarming rate of agricultural land loss in various regions of Gilgit-Baltistan due to industrialization. He emphasized the devastating impact of this trend on environmental change and climate change, and urged the audience to take collective action to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

Following the inaugural proceedings, representatives from the sponsoring organizations, namely AKRSP, ETI, KCBL, GBRSP, SLF, and volunteers, delivered presentations highlighting the significance of observing *_World Environment Day_*. They emphasized the crucial importance of raising awareness about environmental protection and the urgent need for collective action to address environmental challenges.

Subsequently, a series of documentary videos produced by these organizations were showcased on a projector. The videos, ranging from 5-10 minutes in length, showcased the efforts of each organization in promoting environmental sustainability, conservation, and education.

These presentations and documentaries aimed to educate the audience on environmental issues, inspire action, and foster a sense of responsibility among individuals to protect the environment for future generations.

Next, Advocate Amjad Hussain (president ppp GB & Member GB assembly) delivered a comprehensive overview of the government policies and initiatives aimed at environmental protection in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). He elaborated on the region's environmental laws and regulations, highlighting the measures taken by the government to preserve the natural beauty and resources of GB.

Amjad Hussain emphasized that environmental protection is a collective responsibility, stressing that every individual has a vital role to play in safeguarding the environment. He urged the audience to take action and work together to protect the environment, emphasizing the importance of preserving nature for future generations.

Concluding the event, the Chief Guest, Honorable Deputy Speaker of Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, Nazeer Ahmad, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the excellent arrangements made to observe *_World Environment Day_* at KIU. He commended the theme, "*_Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience - Our Land, Our Future_*," and praised the efforts of the organizers in raising awareness about environmental protection.

Nazeer Ahmad emphasized the importance of sustainable development, stressing that economic progress must not come at the cost.

Krumians Zoological Society is great full to the collaborators of the event and appreciates their efforts, especially our professors who were there to oversee the management and to support morally.

Press Release: International Day of the Markhor Celebrated at Karakorum International University.
Gilgit, May 24, 2024 — The Krumians Zoological Society (KZS) of Animal Sciences Department KIU with technical and financial support of Forest, Parks and Wildlife Department, GoGB, WWF-Pakistan, IUCN Pakistan, Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan Rural Support Programme (GBRSP), and Special Communications Organization (SCO), successfully hosted the International Day of the Markhor 2024 at KIU.
The event commenced with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Ms. Maryam Munir, followed by a Naat rendered by Mr. Kumail Sultan, students of Animal Sciences Department KIU.
Dr. Qamar Abbas, Provost of KIU, delivered a welcoming address, expressing gratitude to the development partners for their support in organizing the event and emphasizing the importance of sensitizing students to conservation issues.
Dr. Muhammad Zafar Khan, Head of the Forestry, Wildlife, and Range Management Department at KIU, delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the ecological, economic, and cultural significance of the near-threatened Markhor. He stressed the need for integrated conservation efforts to protect this iconic species.
The keynote speech was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Fazal Karim, NRM Coordinator at WWF Pakistan. The panel featured experts including Mr. Khadim Abbas, Conservator of Parks and Wildlife GB; Dr. Saeed Abbas, Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management at KIU; Mr. Muhammad Younis Sadpara, Program Associate at SLF; and Molana Abdul Sami, representative of Dashkin Conservation Area.
Mr. Khadim Abbas highlighted that since the inception of the THP, over 70 crores in revenue have been generated for Gilgit-Baltistan, with 25 successful hunts. Dr. Saeed Abbas elaborated on IUCN's role in streamlining the THP through guidelines and wildlife monitoring. Mr. Younis Sadpara noted SLF's efforts in mitigating human-wildlife conflict by introducing livestock insurance schemes, construction of predator proof corrals and awareness programmes, while Molana Abdul Sami praised the communal benefits derived from THP revenue, including infrastructure projects and support for education and ecotourism.
Dr. Abdul Habib Lone, Registrar of KIU, delivered the closing remarks as the Chief Guest. He commended the organizers and underscored the importance of research and conservation initiatives for the Markhor.
Dr. Syed Arif Hussain, Deputy Chief Proctor KIU, and Ms. Aliya Jabeen, Communication Office WWF-PAKISTAN served as stage secretaries. Souvenirs and certificates were presented to the guests, organizers, and volunteers in recognition of their contributions to the event in the end.