Forest officials to be given arms to stop illegal hunting

Punjab govt approves recruitment against 1,100 vacant posts

RAWALPINDI:

The Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Department (FWFD) has taken notice of the increasing incidents of violence against wildlife department staff and the hunting of animals and birds despite a ban imposed across Punjab on this activity.

Unarmed wildlife personnel in Sialkot, south Punjab and Rawalpindi have been assaulted and severely manhandled by armed hunters in the last three months for trying to stop their illegal activity. Given the situation, it has been decided to provide the staff with motorcycles, walkie-talkies for communication and firearms for the first time.

The Punjab government has approved and decided to finalise recruitment for 1,100 vacant posts including wildlife watchers, sepoys and constables.

FWFD Secretary Shahid Zaman visited Rawalpindi and listened to complaints of the officers and was given a briefing regarding the difficulties faced by officers. He assured the department staff that the government would take all measures to protect the lives and dignity of FWFD employees.

The secretary also said that the department’s staff would be increased. He added that in future wildlife personnel would not be sent alone to take action. Henceforth, the government will ensure that there are at least two personnel equipped with transport, weapons, and walkie-talkies to deal with such eventualities.

He added that protecting wildlife is our responsibility and we will continue to perform this duty with vigilance.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 8^th, 2021.