Editorial on Poaching in Pakistan Newspaper

[Sakobav]

Poaching lessons

PAKISTAN needs to study the case of Salman Khan. The Indian actor was arrested and charged with seven years’ imprisonment for hunting the black buck, a serious criminal offence in India. His case has shown that no matter how popular or influential a person is, he/she is not above the law. This message needs to be sent to Pakistan too where, despite well-intentioned laws that prohibit hunting endangered species, or limit the number of game that can be poached, every rule is openly defied — and how. Foreign dignitaries have been allowed to hunt the houbara bustard, an endangered bird, in total violation of existing laws that disallow it. Perhaps the prime minister, who issued hunting licences in January this year, did so because he felt obliged to the Arab dignitaries for their economic support, but such disregard for laws results in others feeling no compulsion whatsoever to follow the law. This explains why this past Sunday in Sindh when four influential men were charged with poaching wildlife in Kirthar National Park, they refused to turn over their game. One of the men, a former chief minister of Balochistan, is reported to have expressed utter disbelief at having been stopped at all, let alone arrested, for breaking the law. The question now is whether the men will be charged with six months’ imprisonment and heavy fines?

The wildlife department should be commended for busting the hunting expedition, because it requires a steely will to take on the influential. However, the matter cannot just end here, as has happened in the past when attempts have been made to apprehend influential men. The case must be followed through and the guilty punished in accordance with the law. Laws alone cannot bring about a change but when examples are made of violators, they can act as deterrents.
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Editorial in Pakistan Daily "Dawn". Oct 26 07. Inspite of better record at wild life management, they have the same poaching issues.

[shooter]

poaching is a worldwide problem and as supporter of hunting i dont condone poaching under any circumstances.
it is sad to see people have such scant regard for endangered species.