Reaction: Locals happy over resumed hunting of bustards
The demonstrators shouted slogans in favour of the Supreme Court. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Scores of residents of Dera Ghazi Khan on Sunday celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision to lift the ban on hunting bustard birds.
They gathered near Airport Chowk and distributed sweets. They shouted slogans in favour of the Supreme Court. Bustards arrive in the tribal areas next to Dera Ghazi Khan in winters.
Some royals from the Arab Emirates have even initiated programmes to breed bustards in the area. The Houbara Foundation oversees the breeding programmes. The demonstrators said that the lifting of the ban augured well for them because it meant that the Houbara Foundation would continue its welfare programmes in the district. “They have several education and health projects…they even provide basic necessities and essential items to some of the poorest people in the district,” a protester said.
The demonstrators said the hunting season had always fared well for them as it brought business to the area.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2016.