2 Suspects Booked for Poaching Rare Barking Deer in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills

Two suspects have been booked for the illegal poaching of a rare barking deer in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills National Park.

The accused, identified as Bashir Abbasi and Zain Abbasi, were caught after officials recovered the skin and skull of the endangered animal, which was killed unlawfully.

The incident came to light following a viral video showing the suspects slaughtering the barking deer by the roadside and carrying its carcass away. The footage sparked widespread public outrage and prompted swift action from wildlife authorities.

The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) promptly filed a legal complaint against the accused under the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act, 2024. This legislation protects rare species like the barking deer, listed under Schedule One, and prescribes penalties including fines up to Rs 1 million and imprisonment for up to one year for offenders.

Moreover, the complaint invoked a provision that declares all deceased wild animals found in protected areas as federal property, strengthening the case against the poachers.

Authorities have assured that a thorough investigation is underway to ensure that all those responsible for this illegal act are held accountable. Conservationists have also called for increased vigilance and stricter enforcement to protect Islamabad’s vulnerable wildlife from such threats.

The Margalla Hills National Park remains a critical habitat for many rare and endangered species, and officials urge the public to report any suspicious activities to help safeguard the region’s biodiversity