ISLAMABAD: Authorities have launched strict legal proceedings after a protected deer species was illegally slaughtered in Margalla Hills National Park, prompting outrage and a formal police case under wildlife protection laws.
Following the outrage on social media, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) submitted a formal complaint at Kohsar police station, calling for action against those involved in the unlawful killing of a barking deer — a protected animal under the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act.
A case has been registered against Bashir Abbasi, Zain Abbasi, and unidentified individuals, all residents of Gokina village, which lies within the Margalla Hills region.
The FIR was lodged by IWMB Assistant Director Ayesha Shehzad, who stated that the suspects had illegally slaughtered the rare barking deer, and demanded the recovery of its remains, including the skin, skull, and other parts.
According to the IWMB, the incident — which occurred within the boundaries of the national park — violates several sections of the 2024 Nature Act, including sections 12.4(a) and 16.1(a). These carry a penalty of up to Rs1 million, one year of imprisonment, or both.
The FIR also invokes Section 23 of the Act, which stipulates that even a dead wild animal falls under the ownership of the federal government. Additionally, Section 379 of the Pakistan Penal Code has been included in the case, which covers theft and may lead to an additional three years in prison for the accused.
Meanwhile, Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik also took notice of the video circulating on social media, showing some people killing a deer in Margalla Hills.
He strongly condemned the illegal hunting in areas marked for wildlife conservation.
The minister directed the authorities concerned to immediately investigate into the matter and submit a report at the earliest.
According to the wildlife department’s spokesperson, the barking deer is listed as a protected species under Schedule I of the Act, making its killing a serious offence.
The scandal emerged after reports suggested that CDA environment staff, tasked with protecting wildlife, were themselves allegedly involved in the illegal hunting. Eyewitnesses claimed that locals tried to apprehend the suspects, who were also carrying wireless radios usually held by law enforcement personnel, but they fled the scene.