WWF signs MoU with customs to halt illegal trade

Says the practice is the second most prevalent threat to wildlife

LAHORE: WWF-Pakistan and Pakistan Customs the signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday to work together through innovative means to curb the illegal wildlife trade in Pakistan.

The collaboration will contribute towards enhancing capacities of Pakistan Customs and other concerned agencies to acquaint them with key aspects of illegal wildlife trade. This will help increase vigilance against wildlife trafficking. Both institutions will also launch joint awareness campaigns on the issue.



Speaking on the occasion, Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) International Customs Chief Syed Asad Raza Rizvi said that the illegal trade of wildlife is a new area of concern for all custom administrations globally. Increasing, trading volumes along with insufficient specialised training and equipment for enforcement agencies and lack of public awareness had been instrumental in the growth of this phenomenon as part of transnational organised crime. He termed it as “the new frontier” for Customs Administrations.

Mr. Rizvi further informed that Pakistan Customs has always been at the forefront of apprehending wildlife traffickers whether this related to the smuggling of freshwater turtles, falcons or pangolin scales etc. at national entry and exit points.  He termed the collaboration with WWF-Pakistan an important milestone towards further strengthening existing efforts and enhancing vigilance against wildlife traffickers, something that is critical for combating illegal wildlife trade in the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17^th, 2018.