Pakistan protects river dolphins with new sanctuary

In June 2026, Pakistan created the Punjnad Indus River Dolphin Sanctuary in Punjab province, linking it with an existing reserve in Sindh to create a continuous 400-kilometer protected area for the Indus River dolphin.

This dolphin, known locally as the bhulan, once ranged widely but now faces a drastically reduced habitat due to dams, canals, and irrigation systems. A 2025 study estimated the dolphin population at 1,987 individuals, a 19.4% increase since 2011, showing past conservation efforts have worked.

However, nearly 99% of the remaining Indus River dolphins live within a 690-kilometer stretch of the river, making them vulnerable to entanglement in fishing nets and habitat fragmentation. Wildlife officials and conservationists believe the dolphin’s long-term survival depends on cooperation between provinces, adjustments to how irrigation barrages operate, and sustainable fishing practices led by local communities. The new sanctuary aims to regulate commercial fishing in Punjab, which previously lacked formal oversight.

While the protected corridor is a significant step, experts emphasize that the river remains fragmented by barrages, and maintaining sufficient water flow and quality are crucial for the dolphins and their ecosystem. They also plan to involve local communities in conservation efforts to support sustainable fishing and protect the species.