International Biodiversity Day May 22nd, 2023

Every year on May 22, the world marks the International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and encourage the preservation of the Earth’s mixed ecosystems. Human survival is linked with the survival of our ecosystem.  This day reminds us to work together for the protection of our Ecosystem. In 2023, specific courtesy is given to moving beyond mere initiates and translating them into tangible measures that actively restore and conserve biodiversity. The theme for International Day for Biological Diversity 2023 is “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity.” Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Islamabad regularly observed International Days related to nature. For the many past years PMNH observed International Biological Diversity to awake the sense of conservation of biological species among the various communities particularly in students who could play active role in it. Due to human activities, many species are in danger of extinction such as Lion, Turtles, Bears, Panda, Giraffe, Blue Whale and different types of birds etc.For many past years, PMNH regularly observed International Biological Diversity Days to awake the sense of responsibility among the people of our country for the conservation of biological diversity of our country. This year also PMNH is celebrating International Biological Diversity Day 2023 with the commitment that PMNH will continue to play it's role for creating awareness among the people particularly in students for the protection and conservation of biological resources of our country.

International Museum Day Celebration at PMNH

International Museum Day observed at Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Islamabad on 18th of May, 2023. International Museum Day is observed on May 18 every year since 1977. The day represents a unique moment for the international museum community. Different events and activities are planned on this day and go on through the entire week or the weekend. More than 37,000 museums from 158 countries and territories participated in an event organized last year. The theme of International Museum Day this year is "Museums, Sustainability and Well-being". Museums plays vital role in the development of the community and sustainability of the society. Around the world, museums not only create awareness among the people about the nature and but also join communities to work together. There are many ways in which museums can contribute to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals: from supporting climate action and fostering inclusivity, to tackling social isolation and improving mental health. Pakistan Museum of Natural History regularly celebrate international days such as World Wetlands Day on February 2nd, World Wildlife Day on March 3rd, International Earth Day on April 22nd, Biodiversity Day on 22nd May, World Environment Day on June 5th and other occasions related to the nature.  PMNH participated in the International Museum Day on 18th May, 2023 to show solidarity with the world museum community. On this special event, entry was free for visitors belong to the all ages and cutting of special cake ceremony were performed by the Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, S.I., Chairman, Pakistan Sciences Foundation (PSF) and Director General, PMNH and female officers of PMNH.

 

Islamabad, May 18, 2023 - Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) proudly joined museums worldwide in celebrating International Museum Day on May 18, 2023. This day, as stated by the International Council of Museums, aims to raise awareness about the significance of museums as valuable platforms for promoting global harmony and development. The event focused on the importance of museums in preserving and promoting cultural heritage and fostering education and research.

The theme for the 2023 International Museum Day was "Museums, Sustainability, and Well-being." This theme emphasized the crucial role that museums play in advancing concepts of well-being and sustainability. Museums contribute to these goals by gathering, conserving, and showcasing artifacts that narrate the history of our planet and its diverse life forms.

The celebration of International Museum Day at Pakistan Museum of Natural History successfully attracted a diverse audience, including students, families, and individuals passionate about history, science, and culture. The event highlighted the museum's commitment to promoting equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning.

Dr. Saima Huma Tanveer, the Director General of Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH), actively engaged with visitors from the National Training Centre of Special Persons (NTCSP), which operates under the Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE). To commemorate International Museum Day, 130 persons with disabilities (PWDs) and 70 caretakers visited PMNH. Dr. Tanveer's presence and interaction with them and the general public highlighted the museum's commitment to fostering a meaningful and inclusive experience for all visitors.

As a symbolic gesture, Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig (SI), the Chairman of Pakistan Science Foundation, participated in the ceremonial cake cutting adorned with the theme picture. This act symbolized unity and shared celebration among all present, serving as a reminder of the significance of International Museum Day and the collective effort required to preserve and promote cultural heritage.

The Chairman's presence also provided an opportunity for attendees to interact and share their thoughts and experiences regarding the museum and its exhibits.

Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to explore various exhibitions showcasing Pakistan's rich natural history, including geological treasures, diverse flora and fauna, and cultural artifacts. Knowledgeable museum staff provided guided tours to enhance visitors' understanding and appreciation of the exhibits.

Dr. Saima Huma Tanveer expressed her gratitude to all the visitors and participants who made the day a resounding success. She reiterated PMNH's dedication to continue serving as a hub of knowledge, research, and conservation, encouraging individuals to explore and appreciate the natural heritage of Pakistan.

About Pakistan Museum of Natural History:
Pakistan Museum of Natural History, located in Islamabad, is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural and cultural heritage of Pakistan. The museum showcases a vast collection of geological, paleontological, botanical, and zoological artifacts, providing valuable educational and research opportunities for visitors and scholars alike.
 
 

Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig (SI), the Chairman of Pakistan Science Foundation, participated in the ceremonial cake cutting

Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig (SI), the Chairman of Pakistan Science Foundation,Dr. Saima Huma Tanveer ,Director General PMNH along with PMNH Employees
Plantation activity held in PMNH on World Museum Day
Dr. Saima Huma Tanveer expressed her gratitude to all the visitors and participants who made the day a resounding success

World WetLands Day 2023"Restoration of Wetlands"

ADDITION OF REMARKABLY ELUSIVE LEOPARD CAT SPECIMEN TO PMNH COLLECTION
Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), a small cat belonging to family Felidae was found dead on the 76 National highway towards Murree in Islamabad late on the night of Wednesday 14 December 2022. Mr. Rana Muhammad Riaz, renowned wildlife lover and an official of Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services found the dead specimen and reported the incident to Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH). A team under the supervision of Mr. Muhammad Asif Khan, Curator Zoological Science Division PMNH, approached Mr. Rana Muhammad Riaz to receive the specimen and shifted it immediately to PMNH. Leopard cat is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List, it generally ventures out at night to search food and water. According to a study 46.6% of roads kills in Pothwar plateau occurs in Rawalpindi and its surroundings areas. The 76 National highway has a dense green cover on both sides. This area is rich in wild flora and fauna. The currently reported road killing of ecologically important wildlife, it is mandatory to install wildlife signs boards along the highway for public awareness and to minimize such incidence in future.

COLLECTION OF ROCKS AND INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS OF COAST LINE OF KARACHI AND ADJACENT AREAS, PAKISTAN
PMNH scientists carried out 11 days geological and Paleontological studies at coast line of Karachi and adjacent areas, Pakistan from 30th November to 10th December, 2022. The study was carried out by two researchers from Earth Science Division; Mr. Aamir Yaseen, Curator, and Mr. Khalil-ur-Rehman, Associate Curator for collection of invertebrate fossils, Fossil corals and rock samples of Gaj Formation of Miocene age and other exposed Geological Formations in coastal areas of Karachi, Pakistan. The study resulted in collection of 3265 well preserved large and small foraminifera’s specimens of different species, 80 specimens of Gastropods, and 65 specimens of fossil corals have been collected. Different Rock samples of Gaj Formation (Miocene age) were collected to cover all the lithological and facies variations from bottom to top for further laboratory analysis.

Figure 1: PMNH Scientists collecting fossils.

Figure 2: Outcrop Exposed in the study area
Sample Collected
Figure2 Foramiferas from Gaj Formation.
Figure-3 Corals samples from Gaj formation
Figure-4 Foraminiferas found in Gaj Formation
Figure-5 Gastropods from Gaj Formation

Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Science Foundation
(Science Talent Farming Scheme (6th Batch))
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Mr. Cao Zhouhua, Science Commissioner in Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, visited Pakistan Museum of Natural History,Islamabad
His Excellency, Mr. Cao Zhouhua, Science Commissioner in Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, visited Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) on 29th of August, 2022 in the afternoon. Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, S. I., Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation was also accompanied with him. Dr. Saima Huma Tanveer, Director General, Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH), Ms. Rehana Batool, Director, PSD and other senior officials from respective Divisions welcomed the distinguished guest. Chairman, PSF presented souvenir to honorable guest. Scientist from PMNH provided assistance and guidance during the visit of Mr. Cao Zhouhua. Despite of his busy schedule, His Excellency took keen interest and visited all the display galleries of PMNH.  During the visit, diplomatic official from Chinese Embassy, asked many questions about the natural history specimens, dioramas and displays. After the visit of PMNH, Chairman, PSF chaired the meeting with Mr. Cao Zhouhua and other officials of PMNH. Mr. Cao was informed that Pakistan Museum of Natural History is the only natural history museum of Pakistan which is also unique institute for informal education of natural history in our country. The researchers of PMNH explored many areas of Pakistan for the collection of animals, plants, fossils, rocks and minerals and PMNH has 1.4 million specimens of natural history stored in its repositories. He was also told that large number of students of schools, colleges and universities and general people from all over Pakistan visited natural history museum each year. Mr. Cao appreciated the work and efforts of PMNH scientists for the establishment of Natural History Museum and for keeping it update. Mr. Cao also expressed his interest for collaboration with PSF and PMNH in the different fields. At the end, Chairman, PSF thanked His Excellency, Mr. Cao Zhouhua for taking time from his busy schedule to visit PMNH.

Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, S. I., Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation is presenting museum’s souvenir to Mr. Cao Zhouhua, Science Commissioner in Chinese Embassy in Pakistan. Dr. Saima, Director General, PMNH (right) and Ms. Rehana Batool, Director, PSD (left) are also present on this occasion.

Researcher of PMNH is elucidating about fossils displayed in the Paleo gallery to Mr. Cao Zhouhua, Science Commissioner in Chinese Embassy in Pakistan

Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, S. I., Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation chaired the meeting with Mr. Cao Zhouhua, Science Commissioner in Chinese Embassy in Pakistan and other senior officials in the committee room of PMNH
 

Pakistan Museum of Natural History organizing five days "Taxidermy Workshop"
on
20th to 24th June, 2022
at
Pakistan Museum of Natural History Garden Avenue,Shakarparian,Islamabad
 
 
 
 

Pakistan Museum of Natural History Celebrating “World Environment Day”
on
7th June, 2022
at
Pakistan Museum of Natural History Garden Avenue,Shakarparian,Islamabad

Program:
11:30 to 11:35   Guests to be seated
11:35 to 11:40   Recitation from the Holy Quran
11:40 to 11:50   Welcome address/Introduction of the theme by D.G, PMNH
11:50 to 12:40   Introduction of panelists and Panel discussion on Environment Day
12:40 to 12:50   Comments by the Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, S. I.                         
12:50 to 13:00   Vote of Thanks
13:00 to 13:15   Distributions of Awards/ Souvenirs

Parallel Activity:
09:30 to 11:30     Photography Competition
ISLAMABAD (June 7, 2022) Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig has said that environmental degradation is an international phenomena and each and every country must play its due role in safeguarding mother earth, the only abode for human mankind.
Addressing as a chief guest at a function organized in connection with World Environment Day here at Pakistan Museum of Natural History on Tuesday Prof. Shahid Mahmood Baig said, “It is an occasion for renewing our commitment to protect the global environment and contribute toward sprucing up the fast degeneration of natural resources, particularly fast depleting water resources, deforestation at alarming pace and rising air and water pollution.”
A panel discussion was also organized on the occasions to deliberate and discuss how as a nation Pakistan could contribute toward the global initiatives toward safeguarding moth earth and its environment.
Belonging to academia, officials of Ministry of Climate Change, National Agriculture Research Council(NARC) and experts in the field, the panelists stressed the need of engaging each and every segment of society particularly teachers and media to sensitize to the people toward the harms of environmental degeneration.
Some of the panelists suggest that tree plantation campaigns should be launched more aggressively and instead of going for imported plants the local varieties of trees should be preferred as instead of giving any benefit these imported plants would become harmful for human health and become cause of pollen and other allergies.
“We should inculcate the love of trees among the students so teach them how to live in harmony with nature,” Dr. Wajid Zulqarnain, one of the panelist said.
Another panelist Dr. Rahmatullah Qureshi said that people should mark every day as environment day as the environmental challenges facing the mankind were enormous and needed attention at war-footing.
Earlier while addressing the event Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation has said that environmental protection is a common responsibility, and comity of nations, particularly developed world, must come forward to play its due role in preventing the planet from fast depleting natural resources and taking measures to reverse the process of environmental degeneration.
Prof. Baig said that the issues like increasing water pollution in rivers and seas across the globe, melting of glaciers, increasing harmful emissions of gasses and its negative impact on environment, falling down of subsoil water table at an alarming pace and deforestation needed to be addressed at war-footing. “We need to work with the spirit to reverse all these negative changes or at least to slow down it by taking corrective measures,” he added.
Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig said that the climate change was becoming a serious threat to the lives of billions of people across the globe and highlighted the need of building climate ready communities. “We also need to highlight the importance of environmental protection for each and every human being globally and need to sensitize people across the world about environmental issues,” he added.
Pointing out the drastic falling down of subsoil water table Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig stressed the need of building water percolation capacity of earth by adopting water harvesting techniques and preserving the precious rain water which normally washed away. Due to water scarcity in the urban areas massive pumping out of underground water become a common practice due to which the water which was available at 100 feet a few years back went down to 250 to 300 feet now, he explained.
The other speakers on the occasion pointed out the increasing river and sea water pollution was causing serious threat to the aquatic live and stressed the need of taking steps to protect the environment on war-footing besides sensitizing the people on environmental issues.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pakistan Museum of Natural History Celebrating “International Day of Biological Diversity”
on
24th May ,2022
at
Pakistan Museum of Natural History Garden Avenue,Shakarparian,Islamabad
 

Honorable Federal Minister for Science and Technology Visit to the PMNH
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Documentary  News  of Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Islamabad  by PTV MERI AWAZ

 

Documentary  News  of Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Islamabad  by Labour News Part 1

Documentary  News  of Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Islamabad  by Labour News Part 2

Director General Pakistan Museum of Natual History at Pakistan Lounge TV Channel

 
 
 

Delegation from University of Sargodha Visit to the PMNH
Delegation from the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Sargodha comprising on 43 BS students lead by Dr. Syed Haroon Ali and Mr. Abdul Hannan along with other faculty members visited PMNH display galleries on 1st March, 2021. Mr. Hamad-ur-Rahim and Mr. Muhammad Imran Research Associates, Earth Sciences Division received the group of students and faculty members at PMNH and provide assistance during their visit to the PMNH display galleries. During the visit students and faculty members took keen interests in the PMNH displays particularly in the Paleogallery, Gems and Minerals of Pakistan Diorama, Wood fossil display and in the Rock Garden display. Mr. Abdul Hannan and other faculty members appreciated the efforts of PMNH for displaying natural wealth of Pakistan in the form of exhibits, displays and dioramas for the public awareness and particularly for the students. He said that PMNH displays are vital for the students for virtual learning and they could easily witnessed the gemstone, minerals and rock collected from various regions of Pakistan under one roof. At the end of the visit he thanked the PMNH officers and staff for providing assistance.
Mr. Imran is describing about the fossils and evolution chart in the Paleo gallery to the students (Photo by S. Munir)
PMNH researcher holding discussion with the students of University of Sargodha (Photo by S. Munir)
Female student taking interest in the spider specimens in the Insect Gallery of PMNH (Photo by S. Munir)
Female student taking interest in the spider specimens in the Insect Gallery of PMNH (Photo by S. Munir)
Group photo of the students and faculty members of University of Sargodha along with the officers of PMNH (Photo by S. Munir)

Delegation from Akhter Hameed Khan National Centre for Rural Development (AHKNCRD) Visit to the PMNH
Akhter Hameed Khan National Centre for Rural Development (AHKNCRD), an executive department of Establishment Division, organized five days Training Course on “Ecological Balance and Biodiversity in Pakistan: Issues & Way Forward” from 15th – 19th February, 2021. Keeping in view the expertise and relevance, it has also been planed to the visit Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH), Islamabad by the organizers. 25 members delegation belongs to the government, non-governmental and academic sector from all over the country lead by an official of AHKNCRD; Mrs. Tahira Abdullah visited PMNH on 18.02.2021. Dr. Mishkatullah, Associate Curator and Mr. Imran, Research Associate provided assistance and guidance during the visit of delegation to the PMNH display galleries. Participants took keen interest in the displays particularly in the Biodiversity and Forest types of Pakistan dioramas. Members of the delegation appreciated and admired the efforts of PMNH scientists and staff for the research and informal education through the public displays. At the end of visit, Mrs. Tahira Abdullah thanked the officials of PMNH for providing assistance during the visit.

Dr. Mishkatullah briefing the participants of training workshop about the skeletons in the Paleogallery

Mr. Imran briefing the participants of training workshop about the newly constructed Diorama “Gems and Minerals of Pakistan”

Dr. Mishkatullah describing the newly constructed diorama of “World of Animals” to members of delegation

Dr. Mishkatullah describing the harmful effects of invading species to the members of delegation in front of the diorama of Invader vs. Nature

Group photo of delegation from Akhter Hameed Khan National Centre for Rural Development (AHKNCRD), along with the officers of PMNH

 

Chairman PSF Prof.Dr Shahid Mahmood Baig holding meeting with Director General PMNH on January 19, 2021

Chairman PSF Prof.Dr Shahid Mahmood Baig holding meeting with PMNH officials on January 19, 2021

 

Chairman PSF Prof.Dr Shahid Mahmood Baig holding meeting with PMNH officials on December 29, 2020

 
 
 

CPEC Science Communication Network Jointly Launched by Institutions in China and Pakistan
At the 5th Academic Forum on China-Pakistan Scientific, Technological and Economic Cooperation under BRI, held on December 3rd, “CPEC Science Communication Network” was launched jointly by Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing Science and Technology Association (BAST), Beijing Academy of Science and Technology (BJAST), Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), and Pakistan Scientific & Technological Information Center (PASTIC). The Launching Ceremony was chaired by Dr. Di Yuna, Executive Director, Pakistan Study Center of Science & Technology and Economy at BTBU.
“CPEC Science Communication Network” was launched together by Mr. Ahmed Farooq, Minister/Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Beijing; Prof. Wang Qinglin, Deputy D.G., Department of International Affairs, CAST; Prof. Huang Xiankai, Secretary of the CPC BTBU Committee; Mr. Liu Xiaokan, Vice President, Member of the CPC Leadership Group of BAST; and Prof. Wang Li, Vice President of Beijing Academy of Science and Technology.
After its official launch, all participants gained an in-depth understanding of the science communication project "Concrete Math Exhibition" through video and on-site tour. The core idea of the Exhibition is to train mathematical thinking, and the exhibits used in the exhibition are common to the touring exhibitions of the Beijing Mobile Science Centre, allowing the younger generation to learn the history of mathematics, appreciate the beauty of mathematics, experience the fun of mathematics, observe mathematical applications and train logical thinking. During the Book Donation, on behalf of the Network, Prof. Li Junkai, Director of International Office, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, and Zhang Yongfeng, Deputy Director of the Beijing Science Centre presented books as gift to Mr. Muhammad Suleman Mahsud, Education Attaché, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Beijing, and Mr. Muhammad Junaid, Second Secretary, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Beijing.
Partners of “CPEC Science Communication Network” include:
BTBU Pakistan Study Center of Science & Technology and Economy, Beijing Science & Technology Center for International Cooperation, Beijing Science Center, Beijing Youth Science and Technology Center, Beijing Development Center of Popular Science, Beijing Association for Science Education Museums, China Science and Technology Museum, Dragon Design Foundation, ECO Science Foundation, Namal Education Foundation, China Overseas Chinese Association of Pakistan, Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Technology Times, Zhejiang Research Center of Modern Science Popularization and Propaganda, etc. The establishment of the Network, which meets a wide range of livelihood needs, is in line with the Goal of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). With the progress of the CPEC, an increasing number of schools in Pakistan have set up Chinese language courses and Chinese research centers, and conducted exchanges with China. Meanwhile more young students are looking forward to learning about China's S&T education and development. During President Alvi's visit to China this year, the Joint Working Group on Science and Technology was established for the first time, taking China-Pakistan S&T cooperation to a new level, with science communication as an important element of bilateral S&T cooperation. The main objective of this CPEC Science Communication Network is to build a platform for information sharing, public welfare mutual assistance, academic exchanges and people-to-people exchanges in science communication between China and Pakistan. Bilateral joint efforts will create brand activities for China-Pakistan S&T cooperation and promote the high-quality development of CPEC.
 
 

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