I am an early career researcher form a small town of Sheikhupura in Pakistan known for a 16^th century minaret built by an Emperor in memory of his pet Blackbuck. I wonder why animals depicted at that time no longer exist especially birds. This lead me to pursue my BSc (Hons) and MPhil in zoology from GC University Lahore working on diversity and density of birds around urban, semi-urban and agroecosystems of Sheikhupura.

Currently I am working as Hub Manager for Conservation Optimism, producing optimistic views about nature among youth of Pakistan. We are also running Bridging Border Series with Indian Hub doing talks about wildlife which we share across borders. I am also serving as youth council member in Reserva The Youth Land Trust, trying to establish completely youth funded 100 acres nature reserve in choco cloud forest Ecuador.

My current research interests are in working on human wildlife interactions especially carnivores across different cultures to aid in mitigating human wildlife conflict and promote coexistence. I am also interested in developing historical distribution maps of species using archives highlighting the priority areas for conservation while addressing the factors which cause the decline at first place to ultimately aid in IUCN green and red list assessment.

Previously I worked as an early career researcher for two and half years in Stephenson Natural History Museum and as a volunteer with WWF-Pakistan. I am the youngest member of IUCN SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. I participated in UNEP CMS 1^st range state meeting of Persian Leopard and gave recommendations on draft while finalizing the Range-Wide conservation strategy.

Being the first person from Pakistan and only one from Asia this year to be at WildCRU, will allow me to learn new insights from the team members and my peers about current survey techniques and trends in conservation approaches happening around the world. I will also be able to get access to rich archives and specimen present in Bodleian Libraries and Natural History Museum to aid in my research. I look forward to channel the skills and resources that I shall acquire at WildCRU to actively contribute in development and implementation of cross border conservation initiatives in Pakistan while also sharing my own experiences and representing my region which connect different wildlife regions.