Six held over illegal hunting of Chinkara

Wildlife DG directs officers to speed up drives against illegal hunting

RAHIM YAR KHAN: On the directives of Punjab Wildlife and Parks Director General Khalid Ayaz Khan, a raiding team, headed by District Wildlife Officer Mujahid Kaleem, arrested six hunters. They were allegedly involved in the illegal hunting of Chinkara in Cholistan Toba Kandi Wala area, while Rs0.23 million in hunting fees was extracted from them.

The arrests were made during the drive being held to curb illegal hunting and protect wildlife.

Department officials told Express News that the district wildlife officer received a tip that a hunting party had entered Cholistan and was involved in illegal hunting of Chinkara.

While taking action, officials reached the spot and caught six hunters identified as Sooba Khan, Habibullah, Gul Khan, Murtaza, Muhammad Iqbal and Muhammad Akbar. The team also seized weapons, bullets and hunting equipment from the possession of the accused.

Meanwhile, DG Khalid Ayaz lauded the efforts of the raiding team and said that the department was determined to protect wildlife in the province. “Responsible officers and workers are the assets of the department and will be encouraged on all levels.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2018.