National Animal of Pakistan is Markhor. It lives in the mountainous areas of Gilgit  Baltistan, Kohistan, Chitral, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Federally Administrated Tribal Areas ( FATA), Dera  Ghazi Khan and, Baluchistan. It lives on dangerous mountainous cliffs of high altitudes, which ranges from 700m and 4000-8000m. The logic behind this is to keep themselves safe from the attacks of wild predators including snow leopards and wolfs and human hunters. In winter, hairs on their bodies have grown up which help them to protect themselves from cold weather. In summer their diets depend on tussock grass in summer and in winter on shrubby leaves and twigs.

Their mating season starts in winter while in summer female markhors give birth. During the winter mating season, the males fight each other by lunging, locking horns and attempting to push each other off balance. The gestation period lasts 135–170 days and usually results in the birth of one or offsprings, though rarely three.

Markhor lives in flocks, usually numbering nine animals, composed of adult females and their young. Adult males are largely solitary. Adult females and kids comprise most of the markhor population, with adult females making up 32 percent of the population and kids making up 31 percent. Adult males comprise 19 percent, while subadults (males aged 2–3 years) that make up to12 percent, and yearlings (females aged 12–24 months) that make up to 9 percent of the population.

There are two types of markhors (Astor and Kabul markhor) in Pakistan. They have been known by different local names which have originated from Persian, Urdu and Kashmiri language

Multiple factors including livestock diseases, competition for survival, deforestation and increased hunting by a human, have played a major role in the depopulation of markhor. Therefore, it is enlisted in the list of endangered species by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Pakistani government imposed major restrictions on hunting of this rare animal. A hunter needs to win a bid of $ 62,000 for hunting of only one markhor.

This is ironic to witness in a super religious country like Pakistan where people spew religious verses left and right. The Quran is full of scriptures that support treating animals with respect and dignity. Even the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has many saying regarding their rights and the need for human beings to live in peace and harmony with their animal counterparts.

“A good deed done to an animal is like a good deed done to a human being, while an act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as cruelty to a human being.”- Prophet Muhammad as narrated by Abu Dawud

Animal rights activists in Pakistan have been tirelessly working towards the proper rehabilitation of strays, neutering, and spaying campaign to control their population as well as teaching people how to be proper owners. The activists collectively also run a voluntary rescue service that operates 24/7. Organizations such as Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation, Pakistan Animal Welfare Society, Todd’s Welfare Society are working tirelessly to help address the need of our furry little friends.

However, in terms of manpower and public support, they often receive the short end of the stick. Facing cruel shop owners and pet thieves in big cities is a huge challenge and the inability to maintain a permanent staff is severely detrimental to their efforts.

However, they have managed to make a breakthrough. After approaching Senator Karim Khawaja, they have been able to move the Senate of Pakistan to amend the ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ that was drafted by the British in 1890. The bill seeks to increase the fine imposed on citizens who abuse the rights of animals by a significant amount to prove as a detriment.

The amendment to the bill is a welcome step, but the activists maintain that there is still a lot to be done. From educating children and adults alike, there is a dire need of reconnecting with our four-legged friends. Our religion dictates very strict guidelines in terms of upholding animal rights. It is time that we as humans, step up and be responsible citizens.