Islamabad, July 6, 2025: Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, has taken serious notice of the killing of a rare barking deer in Islamabad Margalla Hills and directed an inquiry into the matter, the Press Information Department (PID) reported on Saturday.
Barking deer, also called Indian muntjac, are found in isolated populations within Margalla Hills National Park, Khanpur Range and Lathrar near the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. They are considered endangered in Pakistan due to their restricted range and declining population.
This week, a shocking video spread on social media showing three men slaughtering a rare animal by the roadside, triggering strong public outrage and calls for legal action.
Minister Malik strongly condemned the hunting and killing of animals in protected regions, according to a statement by PID.
“Such acts of cruelty and disregard for conservation laws are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said the minister, who has demanded a full report on the incident from concerned authorities.
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Meanwhile, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) stated that it had lodged a complaint with police, requesting action against those responsible under the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act.
“Barking deer is a protected animal under Schedule 1 of the act,” IWMB posted on X. “A request has been made for action under sections 12.4(a) and 16.1(a) of the Nature Act 2024.”
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Breaking this law can lead to a fine of Rs1 million ($3,523) and up to one year in jail.
Pakistan often faces cases of wildlife law violations. Recently, a pet lion escaped in Lahore, chasing a woman and two children. Police later arrested three men and seized the lion, sending it to a wildlife park.
