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Express Tribune
06-07-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Chilas, Bunji set new heat records
New extreme maximum temperature records have been set in Gilgit-Baltistan's Chilas and Bunji areas, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said in a statement. The PMD recorded a maximum temperature of 48.5°C in Chilas on Saturday, breaking the previous historical extreme maximum record of 47.7°C on July 17, 1997. The temperature recorded in Bunji was 46.1°C. The previous historical extreme maximum record was 45.6°C on July 12, 1971. "These persistent high temperatures over northern areas may accelerate snow and glacier melt, triggering Glof (glacial lake outburst flood) and flash flood incidents in vulnerable valleys and surrounding regions during upcoming week," the PMD stated. Over 7.1 million people in G-B and K-P are vulnerable, according to the Ministry of Climate Change.
Express Tribune
02-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Quarantine issue halts import of giraffes, rhinos
The Punjab Wildlife Department's ambitious plan to import exotic animals for the Lahore Zoo and Safari Park has encountered a major obstacle, as the Animal Quarantine Department has withheld clearance for the arrival of giraffes, rhinos, and a hippopotamus from South Africa. The delay marks another setback in the department's broader revamping initiative, which has already seen the suspension of a separate elephant import project. Although several birds and animals have already been procured from domestic and international sources, the import of larger, high-profile species - including 12 giraffes (nine for the Safari Park and three for the Zoo), three rhinos (a pair for the Safari and one for the Zoo), and a male hippopotamus - remains in limbo. Director of the Revamping Project, Mudassar Hassan, confirmed that the federal Ministry of Climate Change has already issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the import of various species, including giraffes, rhinos, hippos, nyala antelopes, and zebras. However, the Animal Quarantine Department has withheld final approval, citing disease control concerns - particularly the risk of introducing the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) virus into Pakistan. Officials from the Animal Quarantine Department explained that health certificates accompanying the animals are under close scrutiny. "We must ensure full compliance with Pakistan's import health standards," one official said. "If the documentation falls short, additional verification will be requested. This is a routine precaution to protect the country's livestock from foreign diseases." The department's concern stems from the ongoing presence of the FMD virus in several African countries, including South Africa. While the virus has not been reported in Pakistan, authorities are wary of the potential for an outbreak if infected animals are imported. As a precautionary measure, a temporary ban has reportedly been imposed on the import of large animals from South Africa. The Quarantine Department has also advised Punjab Wildlife officials to consider alternate sourcing from countries certified free of FMD - an option project leaders say is difficult to implement. "These species are not readily available in other countries, nor are there sufficient surplus animals," Mudassar Hassan explained. "In addition, only South Africa currently has the specialized cargo infrastructure necessary to transport such large animals." Hassan further noted that a comprehensive quarantine protocol has been proposed: animals would first undergo health monitoring in South Africa, followed by a 15- to 30-day quarantine upon arrival in Pakistan. He also emphasised that the specific FMD strain in question has never been reported in rhinos or hippos and that these animals would be housed in isolated zoo and safari environments, far from livestock. Meanwhile, WWF Pakistan's Dr Uzma Khan raised ethical concerns, urging the government to ensure that imported animals come from captive breeding programs and not the wild. "Animals caught from the wild often suffer in captivity," she warned. "It is crucial to source from certified breeding farms or zoos in disease-free countries to ensure their wellbeing and ease of adaptation."
Express Tribune
01-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Import of Giraffes, Rhinos, Hippos for Lahore zoo delayed over quarantine issues
Listen to article The Punjab Wildlife Department faces yet another hurdle in its animal import plans as the Animal Quarantine Department has withheld clearance for the import of giraffes, rhinos, and hippos from South Africa. The ambitious initiative to bring in large exotic animals for Lahore Zoo and Safari Park has now been delayed indefinitely, following a similar suspension of the elephant import project. Punjab Wildlife officials remain hopeful, however, that the situation will be resolved soon, enabling the arrival of the animals as part of the ongoing revamping of Lahore's zoological facilities. Several birds and animals have already been procured both domestically and internationally for Lahore Zoo and Safari Park. However, the import of major species — including 12 giraffes (nine for the Safari and three for the Zoo), three rhinos (one for the Zoo and a pair for the Safari), and one male hippopotamus for the Zoo — has been delayed. According to Mudassar Hassan, Director of the Revamping Project, while the federal Ministry of Climate Change has issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the import of several species including giraffes, rhinos, hippos, nyala antelopes, and zebras — excluding elephants — the Animal Quarantine Department has yet to grant final approval due to concerns over disease risk. Officials from the Animal Quarantine Department told Express News that health certificates for the animals being imported from South Africa are currently under review to ensure compliance with Pakistan's import regulations. 'If the existing health certificates do not meet the required standards, we will seek additional verification from the importers,' an official said. 'This is a purely procedural matter, intended to ensure that no foreign disease enters the country.' The department is particularly cautious about the presence of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) virus in several African countries, including South Africa. While this strain is not currently present in Pakistan, officials fear that its introduction could pose a serious threat to the local livestock industry. Sources confirm that a temporary ban has been placed on the import of giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and other large animals from South Africa as a precautionary measure due to the FMD risk. The Quarantine Department has advised Punjab Wildlife to explore alternative countries for animal procurement, preferably those free from the FMD virus. However, Mudassar Hassan pointed out that this suggestion is difficult to implement. 'These species are either not available in other countries or are not surplus,' he said. 'Moreover, only South Africa has the cargo aircraft infrastructure needed for transporting such large animals.' He added that the Wildlife Department has proposed a quarantine plan under which the animals will undergo initial quarantine in South Africa, followed by another 15- to 30-day quarantine period upon arrival in Pakistan. 'Furthermore, the specific strain of FMD virus being cited has never been reported in rhinos or hippos,' he stated. 'It is also important to note that these animals will be housed in zoos and safari parks, not in proximity to livestock.' While the positions of Punjab Wildlife and the Animal Quarantine Department differ, WWF Pakistan's representative, Dr. Uzma Khan highlighted another important issue — the source of the animals. 'We should import animals from zoos, not directly from the wild,' she said. 'It is difficult to confirm whether imported animals are wild-caught or captive-bred, especially in African countries.' Dr. Khan emphasized the importance of following legal and ethical protocols. 'It is preferable to procure animals from zoos, safari parks, or certified breeding farms in FMD-free countries, as these animals adapt better to captivity,' she said. 'In contrast, wild-caught animals often suffer stress and illness when confined.' Another critical concern is the fiscal timeline. If the animals are not imported within the current financial year, the funds allocated for the project will lapse under public finance regulations. However, Project Director Mudassar Hassan remains optimistic that the imports will proceed in time. 'Discussions are underway to extend the import deadline,' he said. 'I can't say anything definitive yet, but we expect to deliver good news to the public very soon.' Launched in 2023 under the caretaker government, the Lahore Zoo and Safari Park Revamping Project was allocated nearly Rs. 5 billion. The success of the animal imports is seen as a crucial milestone in the project's progress.
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Wildlife dept opposes relocation of seized exotic monkeys to Lahore
Monkeys under the custody of the Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation, which they were handed over to after being rescued from an illegal consignment at Karachi airport. PHOTO: ACF Listen to article The Sindh Wildlife Department has formally opposed the proposed relocation of 26 exotic monkeys — Capuchins and Marmosets — from Karachi to Lahore, urging the Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) to reconsider its directive issued on May 8, 2025. The department has called for adherence to legal protocols and scientific standards in dealing with the animals, which were seized in December 2024 at Jinnah international airport, after being illegally imported from South Africa using forged documents. The monkeys were confiscated by Pakistan Customs in violation of both national and international wildlife laws. Following the seizure, the animals were placed in the care of the Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation (ACF), a private animal welfare facility, on an emergency basis. Despite the matter being sub judice before a competent Customs court, the deputy conservator of wildlife, Ministry of Climate Change in Islamabad, directed the animals be transferred to a facility in Lahore. The Sindh Wildlife Department has raised serious concerns over the legality of this directive, warning that such action — without court approval — could compromise judicial proceedings and violate procedural integrity. In April 2025, the Sindh chief secretary convened a high-level virtual meeting to address the issue. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change, Pakistan Customs, Sindh Wildlife Department, WWF-Pakistan, and other key stakeholders. Subsequently, a technical committee was constituted by the federal secretary MoCC to assess the case and provide evidence-based recommendations grounded in law, science, and animal welfare. The joint report submitted by the Sindh Wildlife Department and WWF-Pakistan concluded that relocating the primates to Lahore would be detrimental to their health and welfare. It stressed that such a move would contradict legal standards and sound scientific practices. The report pointed out that the proposed Lahore facility lacks the species-specific infrastructure and expertise required to care for tropical primates, citing previous failures in hygiene, veterinary care, behavioral enrichment, and animal welfare. Despite these findings, the Ministry of Climate Change issued a recommendation on May 8 for the transfer of the animals to Lahore — without consulting the constituted committee or reviewing its report. The Sindh Wildlife Department, in its formal response, expressed concern over the ministry's unilateral action and the absence of any communication with the trial court where the matter is currently under legal scrutiny. The department stated that all wildlife found within Sindh's territorial jurisdiction is protected under Section 21 of the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act, 2020. Moreover, Rule 43 of the Sindh Wildlife Protection Rules, 2022, places the legal onus on airlines or transport operators involved in illegal wildlife importation to facilitate either deportation or lawful disposal, based on the wildlife officer's recommendation. From a scientific standpoint, the department strongly objected to relocating the monkeys, which are highly sensitive New World primates adapted to stable tropical climates. Capuchins and Marmosets require specific environmental conditions, including temperature regulation, enriched enclosures, social groupings, specialized diets, and experienced veterinary care—resources currently lacking at the Lahore facility. A senior official from the Sindh Wildlife Department urged the Ministry of Climate Change to revisit the findings of the technical committee and to reconvene the multi-stakeholder forum before making any final decision.
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Creation of new executive service cadre proposed
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal proposed the creation of a new executive service cadre that would allow mid-career officers to serve in domains aligned with their expertise and interests, thereby, improving institutional effectiveness and job satisfaction. Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadiq Malik expressed serious concern that the Ministry of Climate Change does not currently have officers with relevant academic or professional backgrounds in environmental sciences. A high-level meeting on civil service reforms was jointly chaired in Islamabad on Tuesday by Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadiq Malik. The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzoor Sumra, as well as secretaries from the ministries of Finance, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Communications, Cabinet Division, and other senior officials. The meeting also review the progress made on previously issued directions concerning civil service reform and to evaluate steps taken so far. Federal Minister Musadiq Malik echoed these concerns and pointed out a critical gap within his own ministry. He observed that the Ministry of Climate Change does not currently have officers with relevant academic or professional backgrounds in environmental sciences. He questioned how a ministry can function effectively without domain knowledge and stressed the urgent need to prioritise technical expertise in public service roles. Malik underscored that it is not language but genuine skill and substance that drive results. Speaking in the meeting, Iqbal emphasised that Pakistan's over-reliance on the English language as a marker of competence has marginalised the majority of the population. He noted that no country in the world has achieved development solely because of proficiency in English, yet in Pakistan, this language-based system has held back nearly 90 per cent of its citizens. He stated that real progress requires valuing knowledge, skills, and professional competence over mere linguistic proficiency. According to the minister, equal opportunities must be created for all, regardless of their language background, to unlock the true potential of Pakistan's human capital. Sharing his broader observations, Musadiq Malik remarked that despite serving in five different ministries, he has yet to come across any with a well-defined work plan or measurable outcomes. He criticised the absence of annual work plans among secretaries, stating that without such frameworks, evaluating inputs and outputs is impossible. He concluded that reforms which do not directly aim to improve performance are inherently meaningless. Both ministers agreed that the discourse on civil service reforms must now move beyond policy discussions and result in actionable strategies to enhance efficiency, promote merit, and ensure institutional performance across government sectors. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
