WWF-Pakistan and Bank Alfalah to protect Indus blind dolphins

KARACHI: Bank Alfalah has partnered with WWF-Pakistan and committed Rs8.5 million to safeguard the endangered Indus River blind dolphins.

The partnership will engage local communities by establishing five community-based organisations (CBOs), training 35 fishers, establishing 10 nature clubs, and empowering 700 students to become conservation champions, ensuring a brighter future for this unique species.

The Indus River dolphin, locally known as ‘Bulhan’, faces an alarming decline and is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list. Its population has declined to a mere 20 percent of its historical range due to a confluence of threats such as habitat loss, entanglement in fishing nets, and pollution.

Commenting on the partnership, Head of Corporate Communication at Bank Alfalah Madiha Javed Qureshi, said, “Through this partnership, we will engage local communities in safeguarding dolphin habitats, raising awareness, and ultimately helping to grow their population, preserving a natural treasure that holds special significance for Pakistan.”

This initiative aligns with Bank Alfalah’s commitment to environmental sustainability and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 14 (Life Below Water).