According to an editorial of DAWN dated October 30,some politically rich and influential people were on a shooting spree in the protected Machiara National Park of Azad Kashmir recently but no one had the courage to stop them as one of them was the son-in-law of a top government official of Azad Kashmir whereas another was was the brother-in-law of the same official.It must be reminded ,that the above mentioned park is sponsored by Global Environment Facility.The Machiara National Park is protected under national and international law.This park,has shelterd musk deer ,ibex,horned tragopan, and the snow leopard as well.The local community that takes part in the protection of the national treasure and have renounced hunting there, were outraged when they heard gunshots throughout that day.The MNP project officials also confirmed the incident.With so much power and money involved it is doubted if the people concerned will be caught and punished.
Two year a similar incident took place in the Kirthar National Park in the Sindh province when influential,political-cum tribal men went on a hunting spree and were let off after they paid a nominal fine.
Besides, protected falcons are trapped in the Baluchistan province and fresh water turtles are caught in Sindh and Frontier region.
During the winter seasons permits are given to Arab dignitaries to come and hunt the endangered migratory houbura bustard
.
It is a very sad state of affairs.What is the government doing about this serious matter?