National Parks of Pakistan: Overview
In Pakistan, national parks play an increasingly important role in protecting diverse ecological regions, from snow-covered mountain ranges to arid deserts and tropical forests. As of 2023, there are 37 officially designated national parks across the country, as recognized by the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA). These parks vary significantly in size, location, and ecological characteristics, yet they collectively form the backbone of Pakistan’s conservation framework.
By 2012, 25 of these parks were being managed by their respective provincial governments, while the rest remained under the supervision of private or independent entities. Although all parks contribute to biodiversity preservation, only a select number are part of international conservation programs such as those run by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Environmental protection was formally introduced in Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution as a concurrent subject, laying the groundwork for national-level conservation efforts. This led to the enactment of the Environment Protection Ordinance in 1983, initially administered by the Environment and Urban Affairs Division. Over the following decades, the legal framework evolved to include the “Modern Protected Areas” approach, which categorized various natural reserves into national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and game reserves under provincial jurisdiction.
In 1986, a review conducted by the IUCN highlighted the importance of safeguarding areas within the Indomalayan biogeographic zone, much of which lies within Pakistan’s borders. This laid the foundation for the National Conservation Strategy of 1992, which provided a structured roadmap for expanding and managing protected areas. Between 1993 and 2005, as environmental awareness grew, ten new national parks were established in different parts of the country.
Under current legislation, a national park in Pakistan is a government-declared zone intended to protect its natural scenery, wildlife, and ecological processes in their undisturbed state. These areas are accessible to the public for educational, scientific, and recreational activities, though strict regulations prohibit hunting, land cultivation, water pollution, and other harmful practices. Limited infrastructure such as roads and rest houses is permitted to support eco-tourism and facilitate research.
The first national park established in Pakistan was Lal Suhanra, located in the Bahawalpur District of Punjab, officially designated in 1972. Its main objective was to preserve the unique desert ecosystem of the Cholistan region. Notably, Lal Suhanra is also the only park with foundations predating Pakistan’s independence in 1947.
On the other hand, Central Karakoram National Park in Gilgit-Baltistan is the largest in the country, covering an estimated area of 1,390,100 hectares. It encompasses some of the world’s highest peaks, glaciers, and alpine biodiversity. In contrast, Ayubia National Park in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the smallest, with a total area of just 3,312 hectares, yet it plays a vital role in preserving Himalayan subalpine forest ecosystems.
List of all National Parks in Pakistan
This article provides a province-wise overview of all national parks in Pakistan, offering insights into their significance, location, and environmental value.
National Parks in Islamabad
Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is known not only for its modern urban planning and government institutions but also for its lush greenery and proximity to the Margalla Hills. The city has several parks and green spaces that contribute to its reputation as one of the most environmentally conscious capitals in South Asia. Among these are national parks and designated botanical or recreational parks, each playing a unique role in ecological preservation, public recreation, and education.
1. Margalla Hills National Park
- Established: 1980
- Area: Approx. 17,386 hectares (42,960 acres)
- Location: Northern boundary of Islamabad Capital Territory, extending into Haripur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Status: Officially recognized National Park (under Pakistan’s protected areas legislation)
- Background & Significance:
Margalla Hills National Park is the only officially designated national park in Islamabad. It forms part of the lower Himalayan range and encompasses the Margalla Hills, the Rawal Lake, and Shakarparian Hills. It was declared a national park in 1980 under the Islamabad Wildlife Ordinance. The park is home to over 600 plant species, 250 bird species, 38 mammals, and 20 reptile species, including leopards, barking deer, wild boars, jackals, and a wide range of migratory and resident birds. It also contains historical Buddhist heritage sites, making it both ecologically and culturally significant. Margalla Hills is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with multiple trails (Trail 3, 5, 6, etc.) popular among both locals and tourists. It plays a critical role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and groundwater recharge for the Islamabad region.
National Parks in Punjab, Pakistan
Punjab, the most populous province of Pakistan, is rich in natural diversity, from the Pothohar Plateau in the north to the Cholistan Desert in the south. To conserve its unique ecosystems, forest cover, and wildlife, several national parks have been established or proposed in the province. Here is a detailed overview of three such parks:
1. Ayub National Park, Rawalpindi
- Location: Grand Trunk (GT) Road, Rawalpindi, Punjab
- Status: Urban park with limited national park designation (Not officially protected under federal conservation laws)
- Area: Approximately 2,300 acres (930 hectares)
Background & Significance:
Ayub National Park is one of the oldest and largest urban green spaces in the Rawalpindi region. Initially established during the British colonial era as “Topi Rakh Park,” it was later renamed in honor of Field Marshal Ayub Khan, Pakistan’s second president.
The park features a blend of man-made landscapes and semi-natural areas, including lawns, artificial lakes, children’s amusement facilities, walking trails, a zoo, and the Jungle Barracks resort. It is administered by the Pakistan Army and serves as a public recreational space for residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
While often referred to as a “national park,” Ayub Park does not meet the IUCN definition or Pakistan’s legal criteria for a protected national park, as it lacks a primary conservation or ecological mandate. However, due to its vast area and semi-natural setting, it supports urban biodiversity and contributes to environmental awareness and eco-tourism in the region.
2. Chiltan National Park (Lahore) (Proposed / In Planning)
- Location: Lahore District, Punjab (exact site yet to be finalized)
- Status: Proposed national park; not yet officially established
Background & Significance:
The Chiltan National Park in Lahore is a proposed protected area currently under review by the Punjab Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries Department. The park is planned as part of the province’s initiative to expand green cover, enhance biodiversity conservation, and combat urban environmental degradation in and around Lahore — a city increasingly affected by urban sprawl and pollution.
While the proposal shares a name with Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park in Quetta, this project is entirely separate and localized to Punjab. If approved, the park will serve as a carbon sink, provide habitat corridors for regional fauna, and promote environmental education.
Finalization of this project will depend on feasibility studies, ecological assessments, and governmental approvals, and it is not yet included in national or international protected area databases like the WDPA.
3. Chinji National Park, Chakwal
- Location: Chakwal District, Punjab (near Salt Range)
- Established: 1987
- Area: Approx. 6,095 hectares (15,060 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Chinji National Park is located in the Pothohar Plateau within the Salt Range, a region known for its semi-arid scrub forests, unique geological formations, and rich fossil record. It was declared a national park in 1987 to preserve the dry subtropical forest ecosystem of this distinctive landscape.
The park hosts a variety of wildlife species including Urial (wild sheep), Indian pangolin, golden jackal, hare, wild boar, and numerous birds and reptiles. Its rugged terrain features sandstone hills, seasonal streams, and sparse vegetation, which are ecologically adapted to the dry climate.
Chinji National Park is managed by the Punjab Wildlife Department and falls under IUCN Category II (National Park). It is used for biodiversity conservation, environmental research, and limited eco-tourism. Due to its ecological significance, it remains one of the most important protected areas in northern Punjab.
4. Kala Chitta National Park, Attock
- Location: Kala Chitta Range, Attock District, Punjab
- Established: 2014
- Area: Approximately 16,948 hectares (41,874 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Kala Chitta National Park was established to protect the scrub forests, rugged limestone hills, and diverse wildlife of the Kala Chitta Range, which stretches west of Islamabad toward Attock. The park’s terrain is characterized by undulating ridges, deep ravines, and semi-arid woodlands, supporting an important ecological transition zone between the Pothohar Plateau and the Indus plains.
The area is home to Indian pangolin, wild boar, golden jackal, grey goral (mountain goat), Indian hare, and numerous bird species including partridges, doves, and seasonal migratory birds. The park plays a critical role in soil conservation, watershed protection, and as a natural habitat for threatened species.
Kala Chitta National Park is managed by the Punjab Wildlife Department and is officially recognized under IUCN Category II. Despite its ecological importance, it faces pressures from illegal grazing, fuelwood collection, and encroachment, making conservation efforts a priority for regional authorities.
5. Lal Suhanra National Park, Bahawalpur
- Location: Bahawalpur District, Punjab
- Established: 1972
- Area: Approximately 65,791 hectares (162,568 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Lal Suhanra National Park is one of the largest national parks in South Asia, encompassing desert, forest, and wetland ecosystems within the Cholistan Desert region. Established in 1972, it was among Pakistan’s first protected areas to be notified under the Punjab Wildlife Act.
The park contains natural forests of irrigated plantation (including irrigated forest reserves), vast stretches of semi-desert, and the Patisar Lake, which serves as an important wetland habitat. Its diverse wildlife includes blackbuck (reintroduced), chinkara gazelle, nilgai, desert fox, hare, caracal, and over 160 species of birds, many of them migratory.
Lal Suhanra is also recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and serves as a key site for environmental education, research, and eco-tourism. It is managed by the Punjab Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II, and features visitor facilities such as wildlife observation towers, rest houses, and interpretation centers.
6. Liaquat National Bagh, Rawalpindi
- Location: Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Punjab
- Status: Urban public park (not an official national park)
- Area: Approximately 70 acres (28 hectares)
Background & Significance:
Liaquat National Bagh, commonly known simply as Liaquat Bagh, is an historic urban park situated in central Rawalpindi. Originally established as a public garden during the British colonial era (then called Company Bagh), it was renamed in honor of Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, who was assassinated here in 1951.
Despite the name “National Bagh,” the site does not have legal status as a protected national park and is instead managed by the Rawalpindi Development Authority as a recreational and ceremonial space.
Liaquat Bagh holds significant historical and political importance, having served as a venue for numerous public gatherings, rallies, and national commemorations. While it contains lawns, trees, and walking paths, its primary function is urban recreation rather than conservation.
7. Murree-Kotli Sattian-Kahuta National Park, Rawalpindi/Murree
- Location: Murree, Kotli Sattian, and Kahuta Tehsils, Rawalpindi District, Punjab
- Established: 2009
- Area: Approximately 57,581 hectares (142,286 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
The Murree-Kotli Sattian-Kahuta National Park was notified to protect the Himalayan sub-tropical pine forests and broad-leaved woodlands in the hills of northeastern Punjab, bordering Azad Kashmir and Islamabad.
The park encompasses diverse habitats ranging from dense chir pine forests, oak stands, and riparian valleys, providing critical refuge for species such as leopards, rhesus macaques, Himalayan palm civet, wild boar, barking deer, and a rich variety of pheasants and raptors.
It is an important catchment area for Rawal Lake and Simly Dam, playing a vital role in watershed protection and climate regulation for the Pothohar and Islamabad regions.
Administered by the Punjab Wildlife Department, the park falls under IUCN Category II and is increasingly recognized for eco-tourism and conservation education. Challenges include illegal logging, poaching, and habitat encroachment, requiring strengthened enforcement and community-based conservation initiatives.
8. Salt Range National Park, Chakwal & Khushab
- Location: Salt Range, Chakwal and Khushab Districts, Punjab
- Established: 2010
- Area: Approximately 98,094 hectares (242,348 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Salt Range National Park covers a vast portion of the Salt Range, a unique geological formation composed of Precambrian rock and salt deposits, stretching between the Jhelum and Indus rivers.
The park was declared to conserve the dry sub-tropical forest, steppe vegetation, and rich fossil-bearing strata, which hold significant scientific value. Its rugged terrain includes canyons, salt springs, cliffs, and seasonal streams, creating varied microhabitats.
Key wildlife includes Punjab Urial (an endemic wild sheep), Indian pangolin, chinkara gazelle, Indian wolf, caracal, and numerous reptiles and raptors. The area is also notable for important cultural heritage sites, including ancient Hindu temples and historic forts.
Salt Range National Park is managed by the Punjab Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II, with objectives of biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and limited sustainable tourism. Threats such as illegal hunting, mining, and deforestation continue to pose challenges to its long-term protection.
National Parks in Sindh
Sindh, located in the southeastern region of Pakistan, is home to a range of diverse ecological zones including deserts, coastal wetlands, mountain ranges, and riverine forests. Although Sindh has fewer officially declared national parks compared to other provinces, it features several protected and proposed areas that are critical to biodiversity conservation and habitat protection, particularly for migratory birds, desert mammals, and marine life.
Below is a detailed overview of key national parks and proposed protected areas in Sindh:
1. Hingol National Park (Partially in Sindh, Mainly in Balochistan — Often Cited Jointly)
- Location: Lasbela District, Balochistan Province, extending marginally into southern Sindh (Karachi division boundaries)
- Established: 1988
- Area: Approximately 615,000 hectares (1,520,000 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Hingol National Park is Pakistan’s largest national park, covering an immense landscape that spans coastal plains, rugged mountains, active mud volcanoes, river estuaries, and arid desert ecosystems. Although administratively part of Balochistan, some ecological zones—particularly the Hingol River delta and adjoining coastal stretches—are often jointly managed or referenced with Sindh’s protected area planning due to shared biodiversity corridors.
The park harbors a wealth of wildlife including Sindh ibex, chinkara gazelle, Balochistan urial, Indian pangolin, honey badger, caracal, striped hyena, and endangered marine turtles nesting along the Makran coast. Its diverse avifauna includes Houbara bustard (winter migrant), Egyptian vulture, Bonelli’s eagle, and numerous waterbirds.
Hingol is also renowned for cultural and geological landmarks such as Princess of Hope rock formation, Kund Malir Beach, and the Hinglaj Mata Hindu shrine, which attracts thousands of pilgrims annually.
The park is managed by the Balochistan Wildlife Department with federal oversight, under IUCN Category II, emphasizing biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and cultural heritage protection. Despite its protected status, Hingol faces threats from illegal hunting, grazing pressures, and unregulated tourism, requiring collaborative conservation approaches across provincial boundaries.
2. Kirthar National Park, Karachi-Jamshoro
- Location: Karachi West and Jamshoro Districts, Sindh Province
- Established: 1974
- Area: Approximately 308,733 hectares (763,476 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Kirthar National Park is the second largest national park in Pakistan and the largest in Sindh Province, encompassing a vast stretch of the Kirthar Mountain Range and surrounding plains. Established in 1974, it was among the country’s first national parks to be formally protected under federal legislation.
The landscape comprises stony ridges, dry riverbeds, canyons, sparse scrub forests, and seasonal streams, creating habitat for a remarkable array of wildlife including Sindh ibex, chinkara gazelle, striped hyena, caracal, desert fox, honey badger, and leopard (historically present in small numbers). Over 150 bird species occur here, notably Houbara bustard, griffon vulture, laggar falcon, and grey partridge.
Kirthar is also home to significant cultural heritage sites such as the 16th-century Ranikot Fort, known as the “Great Wall of Sindh,” and numerous prehistoric rock carvings.
Managed by the Sindh Wildlife Department, Kirthar National Park is classified under IUCN Category II with objectives of biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and eco-tourism development. The park includes Karchat Rest House and visitor facilities, though challenges remain in controlling poaching, overgrazing, and habitat degradation.
3. Marho Kotri Wildlife Sanctuary (Proposed for National Park Status)
- Location: Coastal belt between Indus Delta and Keti Bunder, Thatta District, Sindh Province
- Status: Notified wildlife sanctuary; proposed upgrade to national park
- Area: Approximately 20,000 hectares (49,400 acres)
Background & Significance:
Marho Kotri Wildlife Sanctuary is a coastal protected area encompassing mangrove forests, tidal mudflats, and saline wetlands along Sindh’s Arabian Sea coast. Initially declared a wildlife sanctuary under the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, it has been identified by conservation planners as a candidate for national park designation due to its exceptional ecological value.
The sanctuary supports diverse marine and terrestrial biodiversity including Indus dolphin (in adjacent river channels), smooth-coated otter, fishing cat, hog deer (in remnant patches), and globally significant populations of migratory shorebirds such as flamingos, pelicans, gulls, and terns. Its mangroves serve as critical fish nurseries and carbon sinks, providing protection against coastal erosion and supporting local livelihoods.
Management falls under the Sindh Wildlife Department, with oversight in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan and other stakeholders. The proposed elevation to national park status aims to strengthen legal protection, improve habitat management, and enhance eco-tourism infrastructure. Key conservation challenges include mangrove degradation, illegal fishing practices, and pollution from upstream sources.
4. National Park SITE Town, Karachi
- Location: SITE Town (Sindh Industrial Trading Estate), Karachi District, Sindh Province
- Status: Urban green area / municipal park (not officially a national park)
- Area: Approximately 200 hectares (494 acres) (approximate, varies by zoning)
Background & Significance:
Referred to in some urban planning proposals as a “national park,” the SITE Town green area is more accurately described as a municipal urban park and green belt within Karachi’s highly industrialized western zone.
Its designation as a “national park” is informal and not recognized under federal or provincial protected area legislation. Instead, it serves as an urban buffer zone intended to mitigate industrial pollution, improve air quality, and provide limited recreational space for surrounding communities.
The area features patches of plantation trees, open lawns, and undeveloped scrubland, with potential for urban biodiversity conservation if systematically restored. Its primary functions are environmental mitigation and community recreation, rather than habitat protection or ecological research typical of true national parks.
Management oversight falls under Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), with proposals periodically discussed to rehabilitate and reforest the area. Challenges include encroachment, solid waste dumping, and lack of formal protection status.
5. Runn of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary (Partially a Proposed National Park Area)
- Location: Eastern Sindh Province (Tharparkar and Badin Districts), bordering India’s Gujarat State
- Status: Notified wildlife sanctuary; proposed inclusion in a transboundary national park initiative
- Area: Approximately 566,375 hectares (1.4 million acres) (Pakistani portion)
Background & Significance:
The Runn of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary protects part of the Great Rann of Kutch, a vast seasonal salt marsh and desert ecosystem straddling the Pakistan-India border. It is one of Pakistan’s most ecologically unique and remote protected areas, supporting an extraordinary variety of wetland, desert, and grassland species.
Biodiversity highlights include desert wild ass (on the Indian side), chinkara gazelle, caracal, striped hyena, Indian fox, desert cat, and seasonal concentrations of greater flamingos, cranes, pelicans, and migratory waterfowl.
The site is recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, and conservationists have proposed upgrading parts of the sanctuary into a national park to bolster cross-border habitat protection, enhance research collaboration, and promote eco-tourism.
Management currently falls under the Sindh Wildlife Department, with technical support from NGOs. The region faces significant conservation challenges, including illegal hunting, salt extraction, overgrazing, and border security constraints limiting access and monitoring.
National Parks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) is a mountainous and ecologically diverse province located in the northwestern part of Pakistan. Home to portions of the Hindu Kush, Himalayas, and Karakoram ranges, KPK hosts numerous alpine meadows, dense coniferous forests, glacial lakes, and unique high-altitude ecosystems. These features make it one of the most ecologically significant regions of the country, and several national parks have been established here to conserve its rare flora, fauna, and landscapes.
Below is a province-wide list of officially designated and proposed national parks in KPK:
1. Ayubia National Park, Abbottabad
- Location: Galiyat region, Abbottabad District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
- Established: 1984
- Area: Approximately 3,312 hectares (8,185 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Ayubia National Park is one of Pakistan’s most accessible and visited protected areas, situated in the Galiyat hill region between Murree and Nathiagali. It was created to conserve the subtropical pine and Himalayan moist temperate forests, which serve as habitat for diverse wildlife and as critical watershed catchment areas.
The park is home to Himalayan black bear, leopard (rare), rhesus macaque, yellow-throated marten, Kashmir flying squirrel, and over 200 bird species including the koklass pheasant and kalij pheasant. It is particularly known for the Ayubia Chairlift, Mukshpuri and Miranjani hiking trails, and the pipeline track, which attract thousands of tourists annually.
Managed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department, Ayubia is designated under IUCN Category II, with a focus on biodiversity conservation, recreation, and environmental education. Pressures from tourism development, fuelwood collection, and grazing continue to require active management interventions.
2. Broghil National Park, Chitral
- Location: Broghil Valley, Upper Chitral District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (adjacent to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor)
- Established: 2010
- Area: Approximately 134,417 hectares (332,165 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Broghil National Park is a high-altitude wilderness area, protecting a unique landscape of glacial valleys, alpine meadows, peatlands, and more than 30 freshwater lakes. Located in the far north of Chitral, it forms part of the Hindu Kush mountain range and shares ecological continuity with Afghanistan’s Wakhan National Park.
The park is critical habitat for snow leopard, Himalayan lynx, Himalayan ibex, Marco Polo sheep, brown bear, and numerous migratory waterbirds such as ruddy shelduck and bar-headed goose. Its wetlands and lakes serve as breeding grounds and stopover points along the Central Asian Flyway.
Broghil is managed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II, with an emphasis on conservation of rare alpine biodiversity, climate change monitoring, and community-based eco-tourism. The remote location and harsh climate limit visitor access, helping maintain its ecological integrity, though challenges remain from illegal hunting and livestock grazing.
3. Chitral Gol National Park, Chitral
- Location: Near Chitral town, Lower Chitral District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
- Established: 1984
- Area: Approximately 7,750 hectares (19,150 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Chitral Gol National Park is a narrow valley system (gol means “valley”), carved by glacial streams and surrounded by rugged cliffs and peaks of the Hindu Kush. The park was declared to conserve critical habitat for the endangered markhor (Capra falconeri), Pakistan’s national animal.
Other important wildlife includes snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Kashmir gray langur, red fox, and over 100 bird species, notably the Himalayan monal and snow partridge. The landscape features subalpine scrub, coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and glacial moraines.
Chitral Gol is managed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II, and is internationally recognized as an important markhor conservation stronghold. A community conservation model is implemented to reduce hunting pressure and promote local stewardship through revenue-sharing from trophy hunting quotas in surrounding buffer zones.
4. Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park, Kaghan
- Location: Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
- Established: 2003
- Area: Approximately 60,000 hectares (148,000 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park protects some of the most scenic alpine landscapes in northern Pakistan, including the famous Lulusar Lake and Dudipatsar Lake, surrounded by snow-clad peaks and lush summer pastures.
The park harbors important populations of Himalayan ibex, snow leopard, brown bear, marmot, and numerous migratory and resident birds such as golden eagle and Himalayan snowcock. The high-altitude wetlands are crucial breeding grounds and help regulate downstream water flows into the Kunhar River, ultimately feeding the Indus.
Managed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II, the park focuses on ecosystem conservation, sustainable tourism, and protecting fragile habitats threatened by overgrazing, tourism impacts, and climate change. The area is popular with trekkers and nature photographers during the short summer season when access roads are open.
5. Manglot National Park, Nizampur
- Location: Nizampur area, Nowshera District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
- Established: 1990
- Area: Approximately 1,756 hectares (4,340 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Manglot National Park conserves an important patch of subtropical dry thorn forest and scrubland, representative of the lower hills between the Indus plain and Kohat Plateau.
The park is known for its populations of Punjab urial (wild sheep), chinkara gazelle, Indian pangolin, golden jackal, porcupine, and various reptiles including monitor lizard. Over 50 bird species have been recorded, among them partridges, sandgrouse, and raptors.
Manglot is managed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II, focusing on biodiversity conservation, environmental education, and local community engagement. Main challenges include illegal hunting, woodcutting, and encroachment from nearby settlements.
6. Sheikh Buddin National Park, Dera Ismail Khan
- Location: Sheikh Buddin Hills, Dera Ismail Khan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
- Established: 2003
- Area: Approximately 15,540 hectares (38,400 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Sheikh Buddin National Park is named after Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya, a 13th-century Sufi saint. The park protects the Sheikh Buddin mountain range, an isolated massif rising above the Indus plains.
Ecologically, the park features subtropical pine forest, scrubland, rocky outcrops, and patches of grassland supporting Punjab urial, Indian pangolin, chinkara gazelle, golden jackal, and over 70 bird species including black francolin and Egyptian vulture.
The area also has historical significance, with remnants of British colonial-era infrastructure, including old rest houses and trails.
Managed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II, the park focuses on ecosystem conservation and limited eco-tourism, though accessibility and lack of visitor infrastructure have constrained development.
7. Saif ul Malook National Park, Mansehra
- Location: Upper Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
- Established: 2003
- Area: Approximately 12,000 hectares (29,650 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Saif ul Malook National Park centers on the iconic Lake Saif ul Malook, one of Pakistan’s most famous alpine lakes. The park encompasses glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and high mountain ridges, offering breathtaking scenery.
Biodiversity includes Himalayan ibex, snow leopard (rare), marmots, brown bear, and diverse alpine flora. The lake and surrounding wetlands support migratory waterbirds and are crucial for hydrological regulation in the Kaghan Valley.
Managed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II, Saif ul Malook faces challenges of over-tourism, waste pollution, and habitat degradation. Conservation priorities focus on sustainable visitor management and community involvement to protect fragile ecosystems.
8. Shandur National Park (Gilgit-Baltistan & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Border Area)
- Location: Shandur Plateau, Chitral District (KP) and Ghizer District (Gilgit-Baltistan)
- Established: 1993 (KP portion)
- Area: Approximately 40,600 hectares (100,300 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Shandur National Park protects the high-altitude Shandur Pass and plateau, famous worldwide as the venue of the annual Shandur Polo Festival held at over 3,700 meters elevation (“the highest polo ground on Earth”).
The landscape consists of alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and rolling plains, providing habitat for Himalayan ibex, snow leopard, wolf, marmot, and numerous birds of prey and wetland species.
The park is managed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department, in coordination with Gilgit-Baltistan Forest and Wildlife authorities, due to overlapping jurisdiction and ecological connectivity.
Conservation priorities include protecting alpine biodiversity, regulating tourism, and maintaining cultural heritage. Accessibility is seasonal, as snow closes the pass much of the year.
National Parks in Balochistan
Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan by land area, is home to an array of unique landscapes, including deserts, mountain ranges, juniper forests, and coastal habitats. Despite its arid climate, the province supports critical ecosystems that are essential for the survival of rare plant and animal species. Several areas have been designated or proposed as national parks to preserve biodiversity, promote sustainable tourism, and protect natural heritage.
Here is a detailed overview of national parks in Balochistan:
1. Hingol National Park, Lasbela
- Location: Lasbela District, Balochistan Province (extending marginally into Sindh)
- Established: 1988
- Area: Approximately 615,000 hectares (1,520,000 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Hingol National Park is Pakistan’s largest national park, protecting an extensive mosaic of coastal, riverine, desert, and mountain ecosystems along the Makran coast. The park encompasses dramatic landscapes such as the Hingol River valley, Kund Malir Beach, active mud volcanoes, and striking rock formations like the Princess of Hope.
It provides critical habitat for a rich diversity of wildlife, including Sindh ibex, chinkara gazelle, Balochistan urial, Indian pangolin, striped hyena, honey badger, caracal, and nesting grounds for green and olive ridley turtles. More than 200 bird species have been recorded, among them Houbara bustard, Egyptian vulture, and flamingos along the coast.
The park also holds major cultural significance as the site of the Hinglaj Mata Hindu shrine, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year.
Managed by the Balochistan Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II, Hingol faces pressures from illegal hunting, livestock grazing, unregulated tourism, and pollution, prompting efforts to enhance conservation and sustainable visitor management.
2. Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park, Quetta
- Location: Mastung and Quetta Districts, Balochistan Province
- Established: 1980
- Area: Approximately 15,555 hectares (38,430 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park conserves a rugged landscape of dry temperate juniper forests, rocky slopes, and narrow valleys, situated in the foothills of the Chiltan Mountains southwest of Quetta city.
The park’s primary purpose is to protect the critically endangered Chiltan markhor (Capra falconeri chiltanensis), a unique wild goat subspecies endemic to this region. Other significant wildlife includes Suleiman markhor, Afghan urial, Indian wolf, striped hyena, caracal, and over 120 bird species.
The area also contains Hazarganji, meaning “of a thousand treasures,” named after legends of ancient caravans hiding valuables in its ravines.
Managed by the Balochistan Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II, the park emphasizes species recovery, habitat restoration, and controlled eco-tourism. Conservation challenges include poaching, overgrazing, and fuelwood collection, necessitating continued protection measures and community engagement.
3. Ziarat Juniper Forest National Park, Ziarat
- Location: Ziarat District, Balochistan Province
- Established: 2013
- Area: Approximately 110,000 hectares (271,800 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Background & Significance:
Ziarat Juniper Forest National Park protects one of the largest and oldest juniper (Juniperus excelsa) forests in the world, often called the Juniper Forest of Ziarat. Some trees are estimated to be over 5,000 years old, making this ecosystem an irreplaceable natural heritage site.
The park is home to Persian leopard (rare), Afghan urial, Chiltan markhor, black bear, fox, porcupine, and a variety of reptiles and birdlife including chukar partridge and owls. The forest provides crucial ecosystem services such as water regulation, soil conservation, and climate moderation, sustaining local agriculture and livelihoods.
Recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, the park is managed by the Balochistan Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II, with a focus on biodiversity conservation, research, and sustainable use. Major threats include deforestation, overgrazing, and climate change impacts.
4. Kund Malir National Park (Proposed)
- Location: Coastal area near Kund Malir Beach, Lasbela District, Balochistan Province
- Status: Proposed national park; not yet officially established
- Area: Estimated approximately 50,000 hectares (123,500 acres) (subject to final demarcation)
Background & Significance:
Kund Malir National Park is a proposed protected area along the scenic Makran Coastal Highway, encompassing coastal plains, cliffs, mud volcanoes, desert dunes, and marine habitats adjacent to the Arabian Sea.
This region is ecologically significant as part of the larger Hingol landscape, containing important nesting beaches for green turtles and olive ridley turtles, as well as habitat for Sindh ibex, chinkara gazelle, caracal, and numerous migratory shorebirds.
The area is also renowned for its pristine beaches and striking rock formations, drawing increasing numbers of domestic tourists.
The proposal to establish Kund Malir as a separate national park aims to:
- Strengthen legal protection for critical habitats not fully covered under Hingol National Park management
- Develop sustainable eco-tourism infrastructure to reduce environmental pressures
- Preserve cultural and geological heritage sites along the coastal corridor
If designated, it would be managed by the Balochistan Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II. Key conservation challenges include unregulated tourism, pollution, and habitat disturbance.
5. Torkhum National Park (Proposed in Border Area)
- Location: Torkhum border region, Khyber District (formerly Khyber Agency), Balochistan–Khyber Pakhtunkhwa boundary (some references place portions within Balochistan administrative zones)
- Status: Proposed national park; not yet formally established
- Area: Estimated approximately 40,000 hectares (98,800 acres) (pending surveys)
Background & Significance:
The Torkhum National Park proposal envisions protecting an ecologically sensitive frontier landscape along Pakistan’s western border with Afghanistan. The area includes rugged hills, dry valleys, and semi-desert steppe habitats that form corridors for wildlife moving between the Hindu Kush and Suleiman ranges.
Preliminary assessments indicate presence of species such as:
- Suleiman markhor
- Afghan urial
- Indian wolf
- Caracal
- Various raptors and migratory birds
The proposed park is also strategically important for preventing cross-border poaching and timber smuggling, while promoting conservation-based livelihoods in adjacent tribal communities.
Final designation would depend on:
- Detailed ecological and socio-economic surveys
- Coordination between provincial and federal authorities
- Community consultations to address security and access issues
If approved, it would likely fall under Balochistan or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Departments, with possible IUCN Category II status.
National Parks in Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan, located in the northernmost part of Pakistan, is often referred to as the “Roof of the World” due to its towering peaks, expansive glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine river valleys. It is home to some of the world’s highest mountains, including K2, Nanga Parbat, and Rakaposhi, and lies at the junction of the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Himalayas.
Due to its extraordinary biodiversity, glacial systems, and fragile ecosystems, several areas in Gilgit-Baltistan have been designated as national parks, while others are in the process of being upgraded for enhanced environmental protection.
1. Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP)
- Location: Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, and Shigar Districts, Gilgit-Baltistan
- Established: 1993
- Area: Approximately 1,600,000 hectares (3.95 million acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park; Pakistan’s largest protected area by extent
Background & Significance:
Central Karakoram National Park is an immense high-mountain conservation landscape encompassing some of the world’s tallest peaks, largest glaciers outside the polar regions, and unique alpine ecosystems.
It includes iconic mountains such as K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, and vast glaciers like the Baltoro, Biafo, and Hispar. These high-altitude environments are critical for global climate regulation, freshwater storage, and hydropower potential downstream.
The park harbors a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including:
- Snow leopard (flagship species)
- Himalayan ibex
- Marco Polo sheep (in limited areas)
- Brown bear, lynx, red fox
- Over 200 bird species, including lammergeier and golden eagle
CKNP is managed by the Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department, with technical support from IUCN Pakistan and partner NGOs. Designated under IUCN Category II, the park focuses on biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism (notably mountaineering), and community co-management.
Conservation challenges include glacial retreat due to climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and unsustainable tourism impacts.
2. Deosai National Park
- Location: Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan (extending toward Astore)
- Established: 1993
- Area: Approximately 358,400 hectares (885,000 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park and Ramsar Wetland Site
Background & Significance:
Deosai National Park protects the Deosai Plains, one of the world’s highest plateaus, averaging over 4,100 meters elevation. Often called the Land of Giants, Deosai is globally important for alpine and subalpine ecosystems.
Key wildlife includes:
- Himalayan brown bear (flagship and globally threatened population)
- Snow leopard (occasional presence)
- Himalayan ibex, golden marmot, Tibetan wolf, red fox
- Migratory waterbirds breeding in alpine lakes, including ruddy shelduck and bar-headed goose
Deosai is also famous for its lush summer meadows, thousands of wildflowers, and the iconic Sheosar Lake.
Managed by the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II, the park is a priority area for research, conservation, and controlled eco-tourism, especially in summer.
Key conservation challenges include poaching, overgrazing, habitat disturbance, and the effects of climate change on sensitive alpine habitats.
3. Khunjerab National Park
- Location: Hunza District, Gilgit-Baltistan, bordering China’s Xinjiang Region
- Established: 1975
- Area: Approximately 226,913 hectares (561,500 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Khunjerab National Park protects critical high-altitude steppe and alpine ecosystems along the Pakistan-China border, including the Khunjerab Pass on the Karakoram Highway.
The park was primarily established to conserve the Marco Polo sheep, a rare subspecies of wild sheep restricted to the Pamir and Karakoram. Other important wildlife includes:
- Snow leopard (key predator)
- Blue sheep (bharal)
- Himalayan ibex
- Tibetan wolf
- Golden marmot
Khunjerab is globally significant for transboundary conservation, hosting some of the highest-altitude ungulate populations.
Managed by the Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department under IUCN Category II, the park also generates revenue through community-managed trophy hunting in buffer zones, with income shared to incentivize local stewardship.
Challenges include poaching, livestock competition, climate change, and infrastructure development along the highway.
4. K2 National Park (Proposed)
- Location: Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan
- Status: Proposed national park; not yet officially designated
- Area: Estimated approximately 400,000 hectares (988,000 acres) (pending final surveys)
Background & Significance:
K2 National Park has been proposed to strengthen conservation measures specifically around K2 and adjacent high-altitude valleys, complementing Central Karakoram National Park.
This proposed park would include:
- The K2 Base Camp region
- Concordia and Godwin-Austen Glacier
- Adjacent alpine valleys critical for snow leopard, Marco Polo sheep, Himalayan ibex, and high-mountain bird species
The rationale for a separate designation is to:
- Improve focused management of mountaineering impacts
- Promote sustainable tourism infrastructure
- Enhance protection of fragile glacial ecosystems under pressure from climate change
The initiative remains under review by the Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department and requires further feasibility studies and stakeholder consultation before formal notification.
5. Naltar Wildlife Sanctuary / National Park (Proposed)
- Location: Naltar Valley, Gilgit District, Gilgit-Baltistan
- Status: Proposed upgrade from Wildlife Sanctuary to National Park
- Area: Approximately 27,206 hectares (67,240 acres)
Background & Significance:
Naltar is already a notified Wildlife Sanctuary, and proposals exist to designate it as a full national park due to its outstanding natural value.
The valley is famous for:
- Naltar Lakes (Satrangi, Blue, Green lakes)
- Extensive pine, birch, and juniper forests
- Important habitat for Himalayan ibex, snow leopard, brown bear, musk deer, and numerous pheasant species
Naltar is also a key tourism and recreation area, with ski resorts, hiking trails, and alpine meadows attracting increasing visitor numbers.
Upgrading to a national park would provide:
- Stronger legal protection against deforestation and hunting
- Structured management plans for tourism and biodiversity conservation
Final status depends on approval by the Gilgit-Baltistan Forest and Wildlife Department.
6. Qurumber National Park – Ishkoman Valley
- Location: Ishkoman Valley, Ghizer District, Gilgit-Baltistan
- Established: 2011
- Area: Approximately 74,889 hectares (185,000 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Qurumber National Park protects the Qurumber Lake, one of Pakistan’s highest alpine lakes, along with surrounding meadows and glaciated valleys near the Afghan border.
Biodiversity highlights include:
- Snow leopard
- Himalayan brown bear
- Blue sheep, Himalayan ibex, musk deer
- Golden marmot and diverse alpine flora
The park is an important site for wetland conservation and migratory waterbirds, and provides critical connectivity between the Karakoram and Pamir landscapes.
Managed by the Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department, it is classified under IUCN Category II, with a focus on community-based conservation and limited eco-tourism.
7. Shandur National Park (Gilgit-Baltistan Portion)
- Location: Shandur Plateau, Ghizer District (bordering Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
- Established: 1993 (in KP); recognized jointly in GB
- Area: Approximately 40,600 hectares (100,300 acres) (shared between provinces)
- Status: Officially designated national park (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa); under protection status in GB
Background & Significance:
Shandur National Park covers the high-altitude Shandur Plateau, internationally renowned for the Shandur Polo Festival—the highest polo ground in the world at over 3,700 meters elevation.
Ecological features include:
- Alpine grasslands, glacial lakes, and wetlands
- Habitat for Himalayan ibex, snow leopard, brown bear, wolf, marmot
- Rich summer wildflower meadows supporting pollinators and migratory birds
In Gilgit-Baltistan, the area is administered by the GB Forest and Wildlife Department, often coordinated with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to overlapping jurisdiction and shared management needs.
Conservation efforts focus on:
- Balancing cultural tourism with habitat protection
- Preventing overgrazing and waste pollution during festivals
- Sustaining fragile alpine ecosystems vulnerable to climate change
National Parks in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) lies in the western Himalayan region of Pakistan and is known for its lush green valleys, alpine meadows, fast-flowing rivers, snow-covered peaks, and diverse ecosystems. This region supports many endangered and endemic species, particularly due to its location at the intersection of the Himalayan, Pir Panjal, and Karakoram ranges.
In recent years, the Government of AJK, in collaboration with national and international conservation bodies, has designated several regions as national parks to preserve their natural heritage. These parks not only offer refuge to rare wildlife but also promote eco-tourism, scientific research, and climate resilience.
1. Deva Vatala National Park
- Location: Bhimber District, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK)
- Established: 2007
- Area: Approximately 6,000 hectares (14,800 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Deva Vatala National Park was established to safeguard the unique semi-arid subtropical habitats along the border with Indian-administered Jammu. The park is ecologically significant as a refuge for the red junglefowl, which is regarded as the wild ancestor of domestic chickens, and supports a diverse assemblage of mammals, reptiles, and over 80 recorded bird species.
Its landscape consists of rocky hills, thorn scrub, and seasonal streams that sustain a variety of wildlife including the Indian pangolin, Indian leopard, golden jackal, wild boar, and porcupine. Despite being relatively small in area, Deva Vatala plays an important role in maintaining local biodiversity, regulating microclimates, and providing environmental education opportunities for adjacent communities.
The site is managed by the AJK Wildlife & Fisheries Department under IUCN Category II, with active efforts to address persistent conservation challenges such as habitat encroachment, illegal hunting, and grazing pressure.
2. Musk Deer National Park – Leepa Valley
- Location: Leepa Valley, Hattian Bala District, AJK
- Established: 2012
- Area: Approximately 5,500 hectares (13,600 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Musk Deer National Park was created with the primary objective of conserving the endangered Himalayan musk deer, a reclusive species targeted historically for its valuable musk gland. The park encompasses temperate coniferous and subalpine forests of the scenic Leepa Valley, which are also home to a rich diversity of wildlife including Himalayan black bear, leopard cat, langur monkeys, and several species of pheasants.
Beyond its significance for species conservation, the park plays a crucial role in watershed protection and the maintenance of ecological processes that support downstream communities.
Managed under IUCN Category II by the AJK Wildlife Department, the park faces ongoing threats from poaching, unsustainable fuelwood collection, and habitat fragmentation. Conservation strategies have centered on community engagement, the development of alternative livelihoods, and enhanced enforcement of wildlife protection regulations.
3. Machiara National Park
- Location: Muzaffarabad District, AJK
- Established: 1996
- Area: Approximately 13,532 hectares (33,430 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Machiara National Park is recognized as one of the most ecologically valuable protected areas in Azad Kashmir, lying within the biologically rich Western Himalayan moist temperate forest zone. The park encompasses steep forested slopes, streams, and patches of alpine meadow that support a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including common leopard, Himalayan goral, serow, and several globally significant pheasant species such as the Himalayan monal and koklass.
Machiara’s forests also provide vital ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and water regulation, which benefit local communities and regional economies. Designated under IUCN Category II, the park has served as a demonstration site for community-based conservation and participatory forest management in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan.
However, Machiara remains vulnerable to illegal timber harvesting, livestock overgrazing, and human–wildlife conflict, requiring sustained management attention and capacity-building efforts.
4. Pir Lasura National Park
- Location: Kotli District, AJK
- Established: 2005
- Area: Approximately 1,580 hectares (3,900 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Pir Lasura National Park protects a mosaic of subtropical pine and broadleaf forests interspersed with rocky ridges and seasonal grasslands on the slopes surrounding Pir Lasura Peak. The park’s varied habitats support an array of wildlife including Indian leopard, red fox, gray langur, rhesus macaque, and numerous resident and migratory birds.
Due to its high elevation and scenic views, the park is also an important destination for hiking and nature-based recreation, which contributes to the local economy. Beyond its ecological value, Pir Lasura holds cultural and spiritual importance for surrounding communities, reinforcing the need for conservation approaches that integrate traditional knowledge and local stewardship.
The AJK Wildlife & Fisheries Department manages the park under IUCN Category II, with an emphasis on habitat protection, visitor management, and community education to prevent deforestation, poaching, and unplanned tourism development.
5. Poonch River Mahaseer National Park
- Location: Kotli District, AJK
- Established: 2010
- Area: Approximately 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Poonch River Mahaseer National Park was established to protect critical freshwater habitats along the Poonch River, with a particular focus on conserving the threatened Golden Mahaseer, a prized freshwater fish known for its ecological and economic importance. The park’s riverine ecosystem also supports otters, freshwater turtles, and numerous waterbirds, while adjacent riparian forests host mammals such as jackals, porcupines, and civets.
In addition to its biodiversity value, the park plays a vital role in preserving water quality, regulating river flows, and sustaining local fisheries. Managed by the AJK Wildlife and Fisheries Department under IUCN Category II, the park faces significant conservation challenges from unsustainable fishing practices, sand mining, and pollution.
Management priorities include strict enforcement of fishing regulations, habitat restoration along degraded riverbanks, and community education programs to promote sustainable use and stewardship of aquatic resources.
6. Panjal Mastan National Park
- Location: Bagh District, AJK
- Established: 2005
- Area: Approximately 3,100 hectares (7,660 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Panjal Mastan National Park conserves a scenic landscape of high-altitude meadows, mixed coniferous forests, and exposed rocky slopes in the Pir Panjal range. This biologically rich area provides important habitat for species such as the Himalayan black bear, common leopard, musk deer, and a variety of pheasants and passerine birds.
The park is also known for its spectacular summer floral displays and panoramic views that attract hikers and nature enthusiasts from across the region. As part of IUCN Category II, Panjal Mastan is managed to balance conservation with controlled eco-tourism and community benefit-sharing.
Key management concerns include overgrazing, encroachment, illegal hunting, and the need for improved infrastructure to support sustainable tourism while protecting sensitive habitats.
7. Toli Pir National Park
- Location: Rawalakot, Poonch District, AJK
- Established: 2005
- Area: Approximately 4,000 hectares (9,880 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Toli Pir National Park encompasses the famous Toli Pir plateau, a popular destination celebrated for its wide grassy expanses, panoramic views, and cool summer climate. Ecologically, the park contains temperate grasslands and patches of broadleaf forest that support important wildlife including Himalayan black bear, leopard, red fox, and several species of raptors and songbirds. Its grasslands also serve as grazing grounds and hold cultural significance for local communities.
The park is managed by the AJK Wildlife & Fisheries Department under IUCN Category II, with goals that include biodiversity conservation, soil and watershed protection, and the promotion of responsible tourism. Conservation challenges are primarily related to overuse of trails, littering, unregulated livestock grazing, and increasing development pressure around the plateau.
8. Ghamot National Park
- Location: Neelum Valley, AJK
- Established: 2004
- Area: Approximately 27,000 hectares (66,700 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Ghamot National Park protects a vast and rugged Himalayan landscape characterized by mixed coniferous forests, alpine pastures, and high-altitude wetlands. The park is a critical habitat for globally threatened species, including the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan ibex, and brown bear, as well as numerous pheasants and migratory birds. Ghamot is part of the Western Himalayan Ecoregion and contributes to the ecological connectivity between adjacent protected areas in Neelum Valley and Indian-administered Kashmir.
The park is managed as an IUCN Category II area with conservation priorities centered on anti-poaching enforcement, scientific monitoring of flagship species, and community involvement in protection and sustainable tourism initiatives.
9. Gurez National Park
- Location: Neelum Valley, AJK (adjacent to Gurez region in Indian-administered Kashmir)
- Established: 2004
- Area: Approximately 32,000 hectares (79,000 acres)
- Status: Officially designated national park
Background & Significance:
Gurez National Park covers extensive tracts of alpine and subalpine habitats that are ecologically linked with the Gurez and Tulail regions across the Line of Control. This remote and largely undisturbed landscape supports significant populations of snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, ibex, musk deer, and diverse alpine flora.
The park’s meadows and rocky slopes also serve as seasonal grazing grounds for nomadic herders. In addition to its biodiversity value, Gurez National Park contributes to watershed protection for the Neelum River system. Managed under IUCN Category II by the AJK Wildlife & Fisheries Department, the park faces challenges from limited infrastructure, occasional poaching, and difficult access, which complicate regular monitoring and enforcement.
Future priorities include improving community engagement, enhancing patrolling capacity, and exploring transboundary conservation cooperation with neighboring regions.
Pakistan’s national parks stand as living monuments to the country’s commitment toward environmental protection, sustainable development, and biodiversity conservation. These protected areas not only preserve endangered wildlife and delicate ecosystems but also offer opportunities for tourism, education, and research, benefiting both local communities and the nation as a whole.
With continued efforts in conservation legislation, public awareness, and responsible tourism, national parks in Pakistan can serve as models of coexistence between humans and nature. It is essential that government agencies, conservation organizations, and citizens work collaboratively to ensure these natural treasures are safeguarded for future generations.
The list of national parks presented here reflects Pakistan’s ongoing journey toward environmental sustainability—a journey that is as vital as it is inspiring.