Response sought from Wildlife Dept in Kirthar Park case

The constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court has directed the Wildlife Department to submit its response at the next hearing in a case concerning the protection of Kirthar National Park and the alleged extraction of sand and gravel from the area.

During the hearing, the Mines and Minerals Department submitted its reply, stating that it has not granted permission to any party for mining activities within the park. The department further clarified that jurisdiction over Kirthar National Park lies with the Wildlife Department.

The court, after reviewing the submissions, ordered the Wildlife Department to file its response at the next hearing. It also noted that other departments, including the Antiquities Department and Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), have already submitted their replies.

The bench extended the stay order against the extraction of sand and gravel from the national park and adjourned the hearing for four weeks.

During proceedings, the petitioner's counsel argued that some relevant departments have yet to submit their responses in court. The counsel further stated that Kirthar National Park is home to 114 species of animals, birds, and fish, and that ongoing commercial activities for sand and gravel extraction pose serious threats to wildlife.

It was also argued that such commercial exploitation could damage historical sites and graveyards located within the park.

Meanwhile, the constitutional bench of the SHC has issued notices to the Inspector General (IG) of Sindh, the Home Department, and other relevant authorities on petitions seeking the recovery of seven missing persons.

During the hearing, the petitioners' counsel informed the court that several citizens had gone missing from different areas, including Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Nazimabad. The lawyers requested the court to order the registration of cases and ensure the recovery of the missing individuals.