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Arab News
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Minister orders probe into killing of barking deer on Islamabad's Margalla Hills
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik has taken notice of the killing of an endangered barking deer on Islamabad's Margalla Hills and ordered a probe into the incident, the Press Information Department (PID) said on Saturday. Barking deer, also known as Indian muntjac, are found in isolated populations within Margalla Hills National Park, Khanpur Range and Lathrar near the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. They are considered endangered in Pakistan due to their restricted range and declining population. A disturbing video circulating on social media this week showed three men slaughtering the rare animal on the roadside and has sparked public anger and calls to investigate the incident. Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Minister Malik condemned the hunting and killing of wildlife in protected areas, according to a PID statement. 'Such acts of cruelty and disregard for conservation laws are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,' the minister, who has sought a report from authorities on the incident, was quoted as saying. Separately, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) said it had filed a complaint with police, seeking action against the ones involved in the incident for violating the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act. 'Barking deer is a protected animal under Schedule 1 of the act,' the IWMB said on X. 'A request has been made for action under sections 12.4(a) and 16.1(a) of the Nature Act 2024.' The board said a violation of the relevant section of the law is punishable by a fine of Rs1 million ($3,523) and imprisonment for a term of up to one year. Pakistan has witnessed frequent incidents of violation of wildlife laws. An escaped pet lion chased a woman and two children down a busy street in Pakistan's Lahore, police said Friday, with dramatic footage showing the big cat leaping a wall before pouncing on them. All three were taken to hospital but were not in a critical condition. Keeping exotic animals, especially big cats, as pets has long been seen as a sign of privilege and power in Punjab, the most populous province of the country. Police said they had arrested three men. 'The suspects fled from the spot, taking the lion with them. They were arrested within 12 hours of the incident,' the office of the Deputy Inspector General Operations in Lahore said. The lion, an 11-month-old male, has been confiscated by police and sent to a wildlife park.
Express Tribune
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Case lodged over viral Margalla deer killing
Kohsar police on Saturday registered a case after a video of a rare deer being slaughtered in the Margalla Hills went viral on social media, sparking public outrage. The suspects had been identified and nominated in the case. They may face up to three years in prison and a fine of Rs1 million. The FIR was lodged on the complaint of Ayesha Shehzad, Assistant Director of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB). According to the FIR, the individuals seen in the viral video have been identified as Bashir Abbasi, Zain Abbasi, and other unidentified persons, all residents of Gokeena village. Their actions are in clear violation of the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act. The complaint also requests police assistance in recovering the remains of the animal, including its hide and skull. Under the sections applied in the FIR, the accused may face up to one year in jail and a fine of Rs1m, while Section 379 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which has also been invoked, carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison. According to sources, police have begun searching for the suspects following the registration of the case. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Malik, strongly condemned the reported killing of a deer in the Margalla Hills National. Terming the act "cruel" and "unacceptable," the minister ordered an immediate inquiry and directed relevant authorities to submit a report on the incident without delay.
Express Tribune
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Experts warn of escalating climate crisis
"Pakistan is witnessing more frequent and intense heatwaves, floods, and droughts, which impact people's lives and pose a serious threat to the country's economy, ecosystems, and wildlife", noted the speakers at a plantation drive jointly organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan), Islamabad United, and Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB). The event brought together cricket players, conservationists and government partners to emphasise the importance of collective environmental action. "Activities like these serve as important reminders of the role nature can play in building resilience- and the collective responsibility we all share in protecting our environment." "United for Nature", the collaboration between WWF-Pakistan and Islamabad United, reflects a growing recognition that sports can be an important force for environmental change. By engaging popular public platforms like cricket, such partnerships are reaching broader and younger audiences, inspiring new conversations and actions around sustainability. Islamabad United team planted trees within the IWMB center's premises, demonstrating their commitment to environmental conservation. During their visit to the rehabilitation center, they were briefed about rescued animals, including Asian Black Bears, Lion, and Common Leopard. Upon arrival, Omer Bilal, Assistant Director IWMB, welcomed the team and provided an overview of IWMB's conservation efforts under the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. He emphasized IWMB's commitment to protecting wildlife rights and preventing cruelty. Speaking on the occasion, Rab Nawaz, Senior Director Programmes WWF-Pakistan, said "Cricket is more than just a sport in Pakistan- it's a cultural phenomenon that brings people together. By partnering with Islamabad United, we are fostering a deeper sense of environmental responsibility. Together, we are not just planting trees- were planting ideas, building awareness and setting the tone for a future where caring for nature becomes second nature". "In a developing country, the work being done by wildlife rangers and organisations like WWF-Pakistan is not easy. Their efforts to protect endangered and vulnerable species like snow leopards and leopards are truly commendable. We're grateful for the opportunity to be part of this initiative. Protecting environment is vital, and we deeply appreciate all those who dedicate themselves to this cause, "remarked Ali Naqvi, Owner Leonine Global Sports, Islamabad United. Speakers emphasised the urgent need to address climate change, highlighting the importance of plantation drives in mitigating its impacts, protecting wildlife, and promoting livelihoods. Islamabad United team, comprising players Hunain Shah, Ben Dwarshuis, Riley Meredith, Saad Masood, and Matt Short, accompanied by their management, paid a visit to the Margalla Rescue and Rehabilitation Center managed by IWMB.
Express Tribune
25-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
IWMB commended for bear rescue
Workers of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and Four Paws International shift the rescued Asian Black Bear, Rocky, to its new shelter in the Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at the Old Marghazar Zoo, Islamabad. PHOTO: ONLINE The Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, led by Federal Minister Musadik Masood Malik, has reaffirmed its commitment to wildlife protection and animal welfare with the successful rehabilitation of Rocky, a 7-year-old Asian Black Bear rescued from a horrific past. Rocky's tragic story came to light after a viral video revealed the severe abuse he endured, including being forced to participate in 35 brutal dog fights in Sargodha. Severely injured, with a broken jaw that left him unable to eat, Rocky was rescued through the combined efforts of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and Four Paws International. Upon learning of Rocky's condition, the ministry intervened to facilitate his rescue. Responding to a request from the Punjab Wildlife Department, IWMB and Four Paws International safely sedated and transported Rocky to the IWMB Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre, where he received urgent medical care, including wound stitching, neutering, and microchipping for future identification. Rocky was successfully moved to his new enclosure, marking a significant step in his recovery.
Express Tribune
04-03-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Another injured bear rescued from jugglers
A veterinarian from the global animal welfare organisation, Four Paws, treats a critically injured bear rescued from jugglers in Jhang. PHOTOS: EXPRESS A three-year-old Asian black bear, named Sunny, was rescued from jugglers in Jhang on Tuesday in a joint operation by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and global animal welfare organization, FOUR PAWS. During a veterinary examination, it was discovered that the bear's teeth had been removed and it was being exploited for local street performances (Tamasha). The rescue effort marks another step toward ending animal cruelty and ensuring better welfare for captive wildlife in Pakistan. Sunny, a former dancing bear, was rescued after being confiscated by local wildlife authorities. The bear was found to be in a critical condition, with signs of severe abuse and neglect. FOUR PAWS, in collaboration with IWMB, provided emergency medical care and relocated the bear to the IWMB Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. A thorough veterinary examination revealed that Sunny's teeth had been removed, a common practice in the dancing bear trade, leaving her defenseless. The bear was also found to be emaciated and in an anxious mental state. "We are proud to have rescued Sunny and brought her to safety," said FOUR PAWS's veterinarian leading the emergency mission in Pakistan Dr Amir Khalil. "The removal of the ring from her nose marks an important moment, as it was her last dance. Sunny is now officially retired." IWMB chairperson Aisha Humera Ch expressed heartfelt gratitude to international organisations for their invaluable support and assistance in rescue operations. The IWMB Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre serves as a haven for rescued animals, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment to recover and thrive, she added. Sunny's rescue is part of FOUR PAWS' ongoing efforts to support the Pakistani government in ending the cruel exploitation of bears for entertainment, including dancing and baiting. Earlier, the first day of the holy month of Ramazan had brought much-awaited relief for a 7-year-old Asian bear who was kept in illegal captivity and used for baiting (for fighting with trained dogs) in Punjab's city Jauharabad (Khushab). The nonstop rescue operation from Vienna to Lahore; from Lahore to Jauharabad and then from Jauharabad to Islamabad ended with safe landing of the poor creature at the animal rescue & rehabilitation centre (previously Murghazar Zoo) of Islamabad. According to details, the rapid response team from Four Paws launched a prompt rescue and relocation mission on the request of the IWMB and the Punjab Wildlife Department and relocated the poor creature to Islamabad's animal rescue centre. The male bear named 'Rocky' by the team was earlier confiscated by the authorities from illegal private custody after he had been subjected to severe abuse as a baiting bear.
