Conservationists alarmed by inquiry against ex-IWMB

Rina Saeed Khan accused of graft, experts argue such legal actions may weaken Pakistan’s environmental movement

The Federal Investigation Agency’s probe into former Chairperson of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), Rina Saeed Khan, has drawn backlash from conservationists, with Adventure Foundation Pakistan (AFP) saying that targeting individuals who are engaged in protecting nature could weaken Pakistan’s environmental movement.

An FIR was registered against Khan last month, accusing her of financial impropriety, abuse of authority, and breach of trust.

The report alleges that Khan received donations in her personal account while serving, and that she approved the transfer of brown bears to Four Paws, an international organisation, without securing full board approval. She is also accused of sanctioning certain contacts without following due procedure.

Read: Ex-IWMB chair booked for graft

Khan has refuted all allegations, terming them baseless and motivated by malice, while the AFP has also expressed concern over the legal proceedings.

She argues that an inquiry committee of the Ministry of Climate Change had already confirmed there was no evidence of financial or administrative irregularities during her tenure.

Though the Islamabad High Court has granted Khan’s interim bail, directing her to cooperate with the investigation, environmental organisations and civil society representatives continue to voice concern over the case.

In a statement issued by AFP’s Executive Committee, it was noted that Khan had taken several significant measures during her tenure – including those in Margalla Hills National Park, where she initiated habitat restoration, the rehabilitation of injured wildlife, and the promotion of outdoor activities.

Emphasising that encouraging individuals engaged in environmental protection is a shared responsibility of state and society, the statement added that legal matters must be handled with fairness and transparency, ensuring environmental protection efforts remain free from personal or political influence.

Read More: Ex-IWMB chief rejects graft allegations

Conservationists have warned that such actions against individuals engaged in environmental conservation could harm Pakistan’s efforts to protect its wildlife and natural heritage.

AFP concluded its statement by expressing solidarity with all experts and volunteers who, without any personal interest, are working to preserve the country’s natural landscapes, biodiversity, and ecological balance.