Kamal takes notice of illegal hunting

Orders DCs to ensure safety of all endangered species

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan has taken serious notice of illegal hunting of migratory birds sandgrouses in the deserts of Nushki district and directed the deputy commissioner to take strict action against those involved in the prohibited act.

In a statement on Saturday, the chief minister directed the Forest and Wildlife Department to ensure protection of all endangered species in the province.

The reaction comes after a video went viral on social media showing a group of hunters with more than 200 hunted sandgrouses in Nushki district.

The CM had directed all the deputy commissioners in all the districts of the province to take immediate action against all those involved in the unlawful hunting of the migratory birds and ensure protection of wildlife and endangered species.

In September, Balochistan Minister for Forests and Wildlife Ziaullah Langove had told a local television channel that the ministry would take steps to overcome illegal hunting in the province. He had described the protection of forests and wildlife in the province as his mission.



The minister said that since his day one in the office, he had cautioned all officers of the department that no negligence regarding forests and wildlife would be tolerated.

“Massive flocks of Siberian birds migrate to Balochistan. Apart from this, rare animal species are hunted for which legal permits are sought,” he had said, adding, “Giving permission to the Sheikhs of Saudi Arabia for hunting is connected with the foreign policy.”

Langove had pledged to bring a visible change in the Balochistan Forest Department within a week. He also said that Balochistan was spread over a vast area of land lacking basic necessities of life.

Last year, security forces had apprehended 12 people, including four Qatari nationals, for illegal hunting in Balochistan. They were arrested in an operation near Nuskhi and Jhal Magsi districts of the province, according to sources.

During the hunting season, royal families from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia often come to Balochistan for the purpose of hunting of houbara bustards and other birds.

 

[WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM NEWS DESK]