An endangered barking deer was killed in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills National Park, prompting scrutiny of wildlife protection efforts under Pakistan’s conservation laws.
A Disturbing Wildlife Crime in the Heart of Margalla Hills
Authorities in Islamabad have filed a case against several individuals for illegally hunting a barking deer, a protected and endangered species, inside Margalla Hills National Park. The case has drawn serious attention from wildlife experts and environmental groups, raising important questions about the effectiveness of Pakistan’s wildlife protection laws and their enforcement.
The case was officially filed after Assistant Director of Wildlife Aisha Shahzad brought the matter to the attention of the local police. A shocking video surfaced showing individuals slaughtering a barking deer classified as an endangered species under the Islamabad Natural Conservation and Wildlife Management Act 2024 within the boundaries of the protected park.
Wildlife Laws Violated in Broad Daylight
According to the First Information Report (FIR), after killing the animal, the suspects allegedly transported it to an unknown location. Wildlife officials conducted an on-site inquiry, gathering intelligence that led to the identification of two men from Gokina Village, located inside the Margalla Hills. Additional suspects remain unidentified at this time.
Aisha Shahzad stressed that the actions taken by these individuals directly violate the 2024 conservation law, which carries penalties including a fine of Rs1 million, one year of imprisonment, or both. She called upon law enforcement to take immediate and strict action to prevent such crimes in the future and ensure the preservation of the fragile Margalla Hills ecosystem.
Call for Recovery of Animal Remains
Under Section 23 of the Wildlife Management Act, if an animal is found dead regardless of how it becomes the property of the local government. In line with this, the complainant has requested the recovery of the barking deer’s remains, including its skin and skull, which are now considered stolen property.
The Margalla Hills National Park is a biodiversity-rich zone and a protected area. Poaching not only violates legal boundaries but also threatens the delicate balance of wildlife and disrupts the ecosystem that supports numerous endangered and rare species.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges Pakistan faces in wildlife conservation and law enforcement. The illegal killing of endangered species like the barking deer cannot be ignored, and authorities must continue to uphold the law, protect biodiversity, and promote awareness.
Ensuring the safety of wildlife is not just a legal duty but a moral obligation to preserve nature for future generations.
