DI Khan Wildlife Park expansion to boost eco-tourism, wildlife conservation

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jul, 2026) The foundation stone of the expansion project of the Dera Ismail Khan Wildlife Park was laid during a ceremony held with Member of the National Assembly Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur as the chief guest.

Conservator Wildlife, Southern Circle Bannu, Muhammad Niaz, also attended the event, while Project Director Khan Malook Khan briefed participants on the scope and objectives of the development project.

Speaking on the occasion, Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur, said the expansion project would mark a significant step towards the conservation of wildlife, species breeding, eco-tourism, wildlife-based research, environmental awareness and sustainable revenue generation.

He said the project would not only provide modern recreational facilities to visitors but would also contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and strengthen the local economy.

Conservator Wildlife, Muhammad Niaz, termed the project an important milestone for the Wildlife Department and expressed confidence that it would further promote wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, scientific research and public awareness across the region.

Project Director Khan Malook Khan, informed the participants that the Dera Ismail Khan Wildlife Park was established in 2014 over 30 kanals of land through the efforts and vision of the then provincial. He said the park was created to conserve wildlife, promote breeding in a semi-natural environment, encourage eco-tourism, raise environmental awareness and facilitate scientific research.

He said the park had successfully achieved its Primary objectives and had become a major centre for recreation, wildlife conservation and research, attracting a large number of visitors throughout the year, particularly during Eid holidays, Independence Day and other public holidays.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

He said the growing number of visitors highlighted the need for expansion, as the existing 30-kanal park had become insufficient to accommodate tourists during peak seasons.

He added that on the initiative of the former Chief Minister, the provincial cabinet approved the transfer of an additional 160 kanals of land from the Agriculture Department to the Wildlife Department for the park's expansion.

He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had also approved the "Expansion of Existing Wildlife Park Dera Ismail Khan" project under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), and construction work was progressing at a rapid pace.

According to the project briefing, the expanded park would feature modern animal enclosures, a walk-through aviary, bird cages, landscaped green areas, walking tracks, a cafeteria, sun and rain shelters, children's play areas, public amenities, a visitor interpretation centre and other supporting infrastructure.

Upon completion, the expanded wildlife park was expected to accommodate a larger number of visitors while strengthening wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, breeding programmes, environmental education, scientific research, and sustainable economic opportunities, making it one of the leading centres for wildlife conservation and nature-based tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa