Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Extension Wildlife Division

Bioremediation plants, also known as phytoremediation agents, environmental heroes, they are essential, eco-friendly tools for restoring contaminated ecosystems and protecting wildlife by removing heavy metals, pesticides, and hydrocarbons from soil and water. They act as a breeding ground, provide food and shelter for many important wildlife especially aquatic life. These plants including species like sunflowers, willows, and mustard greens, typha (cattail), hyacinth, duckweed etc can extract, stabilize, or degrade harmful pollutants, turning barren, polluted areas into healthy habitats.
Key Functions in Ecosystem Restoration:
Phytoextraction (Heavy Metal Removal): Specific "hyperaccumulator' plants absorb high concentrations of heavy metals (such as lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium) into their roots and shoots, which are then harvested to remove contaminants from the soil.

Phytostabilization (Erosion Control):
Plants with dense root systems bind heavy metals and contaminants to the soil, reducing their bioavailability and preventing their spread to groundwater or surrounding areas.
Rhizodegradation & Stimulation:
Plant roots release enzymes and nutrients that stimulate soil microorganisms to break down organic pollutants like petroleum hydrocarbons.
Natural Water Filtration (Rhizofiltration):
Aquatic plants like cattails and Indian shot filter contaminants from water, protecting aquatic ecosystems.
Essential Plants for Restoration:
Various plants are chosen based on their ability to tolerate or accumulate specific toxins:

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus):
Willows (Salix species):
Mustard Greens (Brassica species):
Poplar trees (Populus species):
Saltbush (Atriplex species) & Glasswort
(Salicornia species):
Capparis species:
Tamarix species:
Casuarina species:
Parkinsonia species:
Some hydrophytes:
Impact on Wildlife Survival
1. Restoring Habitats for wildlife:
2. Reducing Toxic Exposure.
3. Preventing Erosion and protecting aquatic organisms.
Phyhytoremediation is generally slower than physical, chemical or other methods, but it is more affordable and environmentally friendly, making it a critical, long-term solution for restoring damaged ecosystems.

𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗻

Peshawar, April 6, 2026 — “The Technical Committee will meticulously examine each deliverable and submit its detailed inputs and report,” stated Mr. Junaid Khan, Secretary, Climate Change, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department (CCFE&WD), while chairing a meeting on the Public Private Partnership - PPP node scheme regarding the "Safari Park Project".

The meeting was attended by Mr. Ahmad Jalil Chief Conservator Forest Region-I, Mr. Asghar Khan Chief Conservator Forest Region-II, Dr. Mohsin Farooqi Chief Conservator Wildlife KP; along with senior representatives including the SPO and Dr. Anwar Ali from Pakistan Forest Institute.

The Evaluation Committee of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already approved a significant milestone in the feasibility study for the Establishment of "Safari Park at District Nowshera". The Committee, which convened on April 3, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Additional Secretary (Development), undertook a comprehensive review of the consultant’s Inception Report and Desk/Literature Review Report. After thoughtful deliberation, both deliverables were unanimously endorsed for fully meeting the prescribed Terms of Reference and contractual obligations—marking the successful completion of the first milestone.

While the case has been forwarded to the PPP node for approval and onward submission to the Planning & Development Department, the Secretary CCFE&WD underscored the importance of due diligence and directed the constitution of a Technical Committee. This body will undertake a deeper, more discerning review of the deliverables and furnish its recommendations to the Planning & Development Department for informed decision-making.

This measured and transparent approach reflects the Government’s steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable tourism, preserving wildlife, and promoting environmentally responsible development—ensuring that progress unfolds not merely with speed, but with wisdom and integrity.

Latif Ur Rehman
Spokesperson Forestry Environment & Wildlife Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗻

Peshawar, April 6, 2026 — “The Technical Committee will meticulously examine each deliverable and submit its detailed inputs and report,” stated Mr. Junaid Khan, Secretary, Climate Change, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department (CCFE&WD), while chairing a meeting on the Public Private Partnership - PPP node scheme regarding the "Safari Park Project".

The meeting was attended by Mr. Ahmad Jalil Chief Conservator Forest Region-I, Mr. Asghar Khan Chief Conservator Forest Region-II, Dr. Mohsin Farooqi Chief Conservator Wildlife KP; along with senior representatives including the SPO and Dr. Anwar Ali from Pakistan Forest Institute.

The Evaluation Committee of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already approved a significant milestone in the feasibility study for the Establishment of "Safari Park at District Nowshera". The Committee, which convened on April 3, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Additional Secretary (Development), undertook a comprehensive review of the consultant’s Inception Report and Desk/Literature Review Report. After thoughtful deliberation, both deliverables were unanimously endorsed for fully meeting the prescribed Terms of Reference and contractual obligations—marking the successful completion of the first milestone.

While the case has been forwarded to the PPP node for approval and onward submission to the Planning & Development Department, the Secretary CCFE&WD underscored the importance of due diligence and directed the constitution of a Technical Committee. This body will undertake a deeper, more discerning review of the deliverables and furnish its recommendations to the Planning & Development Department for informed decision-making.

This measured and transparent approach reflects the Government’s steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable tourism, preserving wildlife, and promoting environmentally responsible development—ensuring that progress unfolds not merely with speed, but with wisdom and integrity.

Latif Ur Rehman
Spokesperson Forestry Environment & Wildlife Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

https://www.dawn.com/news/1986730?utm_source=whatsapp

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https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2025/03/forest-restoration-is-booming-but-biodiversity-isnt/

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The Conservator Wildlife, Hazara Circle, visited the Divisional Office Abbottabad and chaired a meeting to review the overall management of the Division. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Wildlife Abbottabad briefed him on ongoing management practices and highlighted key challenges. The Conservator emphasized the need to enhance management effectiveness through optimal utilization of all available resources and directed the field staff to adopt more proactive and efficient measures.

Today dated 1/04/2026. Deputy Ranger Mr. Kaleem Raza and Wildlife Watcher Mr. Basir from Abbottabad Wildlife Division, being experts in wildlife handling, animal care, and specimen preservation, delivered a lecture to the students/trainees of Forest School, Thai.
The session included practical demonstrations and discussions focused at enhancing wildlife staff trainees understanding of wildlife management, conservation, and specimen preparation techniques.