FIR lodged after deer illegally hunted at Margalla Hills in Islamabad

There was no let-up in the illegal hunting of rare species of deer at Margalla Hills National Park in Islamabad as three men shot a deer, then slaughtered it and one of them loaded the animal on his shoulders and all walked away, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

In this regard a video of the illegal hunting of the deer has also surfaced in which it can be seen that the hunters slaughtered the deer on the side of the Margalla Hills road. On asking by tourists, the hunters told them that they were CDA’s Environment Protection employees.  

After slaughtering the deer, one of them carried the deer on his shoulders and walked away.

It can be seen in the video making rounds on social media that many tourists also reached the spot during the deer hunting while the forest guard of the CDA was also present at the spot with a wireless set in his hands.

A CDA spokesperson clarified that our officials did not hunt the deer, rather slaughtered it after seeing it injured. 

Investigation was underway to find out what really has happened. 

On the other hand, Wildlife Management Board authorities said that it is the responsibility of the Wildlife Board to protect animals in the National Park. 

Complaints of hunting in the National Park have been received in the past as well, Wildlife Board officials disclosed.

Investigation was underway to find out who hunted and who fired in the National Park. 

According to the spokesperson, Islamabad Wildlife has lodged an application at the relevant police station for legal action. 

The application has sought action under the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act. 

The barking deer is a protected animal under Schedule One of the Act. Action has been requested under Sections 12.4(a) and 16.1(a) of the Nature Act 2024. 

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A fine of Rs1 million and imprisonment of one year can also be imposed under the law in case of violation of the relevant section. 

Under Section 23 of the Act, even if an animal is dead, it is the property of the federal government. 

The application has been registered against Bashir Abbasi, Zain Abbasi and unknown persons.

Reporters: Rozina Ali and Tayyab Saif