Staff Reporter:
Quetta: Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, chaired a high-level meeting to review the Forest Department’s efforts to protect and sustain the province’s rare forests and wildlife.
Officials from the Forest Department briefed the meeting on ongoing initiatives to safeguard forests and wildlife. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for effective measures to address growing threats to biodiversity in the region.
“Reports of rare wildlife being mercilessly hunted in some areas are alarming. Unchecked illegal hunting has put certain species at risk of extinction,” said CM Bugti.
To counter these issues, the Chief Minister directed the formation of community monitoring committees comprising tribal elders and local communities to oversee conservation efforts. He also instructed strict legal action against those involved in illegal hunting.
Highlighting the need for federal support, CM Bugti announced plans to engage the Federal Ministry of Climate Change to restore international funding for protected areas.
During the meeting, Secretary Forest and Wildlife, Noor Ahmed Pirkani, reported the recent arrest of three individuals involved in illegal hunting in Takatu. “The suspects are government employees, and legal proceedings are underway,” Pirkani added.
Key attendees included Provincial Minister Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakil Qadir Khan, Principal Secretary Babar Khan, Additional Chief Secretary for Development Hafiz Abdul Basit, and other relevant officials.
