Asmat Hanafi:
Bostan: In a decisive move against illegal hunting, the Levies Force, under the directives of Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, arrested three individuals involved in the illegal hunting of a markhor, a protected species. The operation was led by Assistant Commissioner Karezat Muhammad Amir Hamza Baloch, targeting the industrial zone of Bostan.
The arrested individuals are:
1.Izhar Ahmed, son of Abdul Nabi (Police Constable, Balochistan Constabulary, Quetta)
2.Masoor Khan, son of Faizullah Khan (WASA employee)
3.Saddam Khan, son of Bur Muhammad Bazai
Authorities also seized a jeep and the carcass of the hunted markhor. Legal proceedings are underway under Sections 9 and 16 and Schedule 5 of the Balochistan Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation, and Management) Act, 2014.
Illegal hunting has become rampant across Pakistan, endangering wildlife and causing severe ecological harm. Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti emphasized the urgent need for stricter enforcement and comprehensive measures to safeguard wildlife, highlighting the link between biodiversity loss and climate change.
Despite existing laws, no significant steps have been taken to effectively curb illegal hunting. Experts warn that the continued negligence poses a grave threat to Pakistan’s environment and wildlife conservation efforts.
The recent operation in Bostan reflects a growing commitment to protecting endangered species, but long-term solutions are essential to address this persistent issue.
