Authorities have registered a case against two individuals, including an employee of a fishing contractor, for allegedly hunting flamingos at Rawal Lake in Islamabad.
The case was filed following a complaint submitted by Deputy Director Fisheries ICT Ghufran Shahzad. In the complaint, the suspects, along with several unidentified individuals, were accused of illegally hunting and killing flamingos that had been resting near the lake.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the alleged hunting of the birds is a violation of the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act 2024 as well as the Fisheries Ordinance 1961. Officials stated that the incident is being treated seriously due to its impact on protected wildlife and the local ecosystem.
An official from the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) revealed that authorities have also gathered evidence suggesting that poachers targeted other water birds in addition to flamingos. These reportedly include coots and moorhens, which are commonly found around wetlands and water bodies.
The IWMB official described the incident as a significant ecological loss, noting that flamingos are not commonly seen at Rawal Lake during this season. Their appearance at the lake is considered unusual, making the alleged hunting of the birds even more concerning for wildlife conservation authorities.
Police confirmed that an investigation has been launched following the registration of the case. Efforts are underway to collect further evidence and determine the involvement of other individuals linked to the incident.
The complaint names two suspects, including a resident of Bani Gala and an employee associated with the fishing contractor operating in the area. Authorities said attempts are being made to arrest the nominated suspects and identify additional people who may have participated in the illegal hunting of the birds.
Officials have reiterated their commitment to protecting wildlife and enforcing conservation laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Also Read: Six Arrested for Illegal Hunting in Punjab
