Muhammad Rehan
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department has distributed the first phase of research grant checks to 14 students and researchers under the “Establishment of Special Game Reserve in Dera” project, aimed at promoting scientific research on wildlife, biodiversity, habitat conservation and rare species protection.
A ceremony held at the Divisional Wildlife Office, Dera Ismail Khan, marked the distribution of the initial installment of research grants to selected scholars from public sector universities across the province. The initiative falls under a special provision of the project’s PC-I that supports wildlife-based research in government universities.
Research proposals were received from institutions including Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan, Gomal University Sub-Campus Tank, the University of Agriculture Dera Ismail Khan, the University of Lakki Marwat and Islamia College University Peshawar. An expert evaluation committee, formed under the supervision of Project Director Khan Malook Khan, assessed the proposals on scientific merit, innovation, practical utility and potential contribution to wildlife conservation.
Based on the committee’s recommendations, 14 scholars were selected for financial assistance. The approved grants, totaling Rs1 million, will support PhD, MPhil and BS-level research projects related to wildlife conservation and biodiversity management.
Speaking on the occasion, Khan Malook Khan said scientific research is essential for wildlife conservation, biodiversity management and evidence-based policymaking. He added that the Wildlife Department would provide not only financial support but also technical guidance, field research opportunities and institutional assistance to help young researchers contribute effectively to conservation efforts.
He termed the initiative a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between universities and the Wildlife Department, encouraging young scientists and promoting scientific approaches to wildlife management in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The ceremony was attended by Sub-Divisional Wildlife Officer (10BTTP Project) Malik Zaryab, Sub-Divisional Wildlife Officer Dera Malik Muhammad Saqib Javed, Wildlife Department officials, faculty members and selected researchers. Participants praised the programme as an important initiative for promoting research, biodiversity conservation and evidence-based decision-making in the province.
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